"Sarah, David" by Yolanda del Amo

Sarah, David by photographer Yolanda del Amo is on display at the National Portrait Gallery as part of the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition 2009. Del Amo’s portrait, and works from forty-eight other artists, are on display until August 22, 2010.  To view images of the works, see the exhibition Web site.

Although Sarah, David was not place-winning, it was highlighted as a commended piece.  In her artist statement, Yolanda del Amo writes:

Sarah came to visit me in my studio one day and she was carrying some folded boxes under her arm. I asked her what they were for, and she told me that she was moving out of her place, and also ending her marriage. This triggered a long, cathartic and very personal conversation about relationships and our shared experiences. It set the foundation of our friendship, and also the inspiration for the photograph Sarah, David. This piece is part of the body of work entitled Archipelago (2004–in progress), in which I explore relationships and their boundaries. My work focuses on what happens between the represented figures, and it understands the physical spaces where such interactions take place as a psychological extension of the characters.

Carolyn Carr, deputy director of the National Portrait Gallery, recently discussed Sarah, David and the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, at a Face-to-Face portrait talk.

Listen to Carolyn Carr’s Face-to-Face talk on Sarah, David by Yolanda del Amo  (23:10)

One exhibiting artist will win the People’s Choice Award, in which visitors to the exhibition, both online and in the gallery, may vote for their favorite of the forty-nine finalists. You can cast your vote here.  Voting will close on January 18, 2010.

Sarah, David by Yolanda del Amo / Brooklyn, New York / C-print, 2007 / 101.6 x 127 cm (40 x 50 in.)

Comments

[Mark Johnson]

The reversal of role and prominence of the female subject 'turning her back' on the 'heart of the home' tells a significant story, even without the excerpt from the artist statement. Psychological tension both between people, and, people and place is clearly seen in these posing choices. A fantastic image and deserving of wall space at the NPG!

[peter Madden]

I just love the juxtaposition of Sarah and David representing the breakdown of their relationship with the experience of the memories of the loss symbolised by the boxes.
Great photograph to ponder for a long time. Many thanks

[C Connelly]

I came across this image at Light Work in Syracuse, NY in December of 2010 and it has stayed with me for the months that have followed. Once I had left, I realized that I had not signed the book at the exhibition - my message however would have been simple and clear:

"Sarah, you have my heart; David, I hope you will be ok even though I can never tell you; and Yolanda, thank you"

Clearly imposing my own experiences here, but it was the first time an image touched me this way. Waking up after all these years...