“In truth, I am uncomfortable putting too fine a point on these images. They have to speak for themselves on some level. Each carry their own surprising meaning however problematic.”
For over a decade, JJ Lee has taken ad hoc portraits of participants preparing to march in New Westminster’s Hyack Day Parade.
The images attempt to delve into identity, photographic vision, ethnography, and evolving communities. There is attention paid to dress and how performance manifests
in social rituals. The individuals portrayed here are “on” in a way rarely seen when they parade.
“I grabbed what film camera I felt good about at the time and headed out to the marshalling area just around the corner from where I lived. I’d catch folks in full regalia but totally relaxed and waiting. So I asked to take their picture. And unlike when they’re on parade, I asked them to dial it down and just relax in front of the camera. And this is what I got.”
The Gallery at Queen’s Park presents:
“PARADE” ~ JJ Lee
Exhibition Dates: April 10 – May 5, 2024
Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00am – 2:00pm
To learn more about JJ Lee, visit his website.
