Jay Turner Frey Seawell

Jay Turner Frey Seawell is a photographer based in Washington, DC. He earned his MFA in Photography from Columbia College Chicago in 2013. His photographs have been included in numerous exhibitions in the United States, as well as the Pingyao International Photography Festival in China. Seawell was the recipient of the Albert P. Weisman Award (2013); the John Mulvany Scholarship (2012); and most recently he was a nominee of The Baum Award for An Emerging American Photographer (2014). His work is in the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Photography. Today we take a look at his series The Mall.

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The Mall

“I am an artist who is striving to define my relationship to the United States and its history through exploring the country’s commemorative core, the National Mall. The Mall’s monuments and memorials generally carry messages that encourage patriotism and adherence to lofty ideals. However, at a time when this country continues to experience significant social and political turbulence, I find myself disillusioned and disconnected from the narratives found in many of its monuments.

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In response, my objective with this work is to depict an enigmatic, anonymous environment that lends itself to open interpretation. The pictures present fragmented, intimate views seen by an individual citizen, undercutting any message of unity among the masses. I also include historical depictions of the grounds in order to demonstrate that the Mall is a place that experiences continuous transition, rather than a timeless landmark. Ultimately, this location holds no absolute truths, but it can function as a space for valuable introspection during uncertain times.”

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To view more of Jay’s work, please visit his website.

Jay is also a featured artist in our newest issue From Here On. Pre-order your copy now!