For the last few years I have been photographing the New York City nightlife in its different incarnations-‐ clubs, lounges and bars, as well as parties-‐ both public and private. During this time I observed the focus of the events shift from partying to photographing the partying and became fascinated by the often exhibitionist behavior of women in this changing social context. This project is my exploration of how public behavior and personal representation have been influenced by the accessibility and availability of electronic media, specifically digital cameras, iphones and networking sites.
In one form or another, self-‐representation of women has been linked to exhibitionism since the Flapper age. Women’s compliance to adjust to the ever-‐ changing ideals of beauty has been evolving hand in hand with an eagerness to showcase the results. In the digital age, this has become easier then ever. Enabled by the new technologies and encouraged by the Lady Gaga-‐like conception of femininity, this desire to reveal has transformed into a willingness to expose. With this, self-‐representation of women has reached a curious state, one where women are both in control of their image and at the same time, participate more then ever in their own objectification.
Social networks provide a perfect platform for wide and instant exposure and familiarize the mainstream audience with overtly sexualized behaviors that in the past have only been permissible in the contained settings of Spring Break or Mardi Gras. Cameras, ever more compact and omnipresent, are increasingly admitted into heretofore ‘private’ realms: late-‐night dance halls, erotic events, even in the bedroom. Instead of an instrument of voyeurism, the camera becomes a welcomed participant. The women photographed are not just permitting but actually performing for the camera; it connects them, the virtual exhibitionists, to a vast anonymous audience.
Dina Litovsky
Dina Litovsky is an emerging artist who examines social performances and group interactions in both public and private spaces.
Dina was born in the Ukraine and moved to New York in 1991. After receiving her bachelor degree in Psychology from NYU, Dina turned to photography and has earned her MFA graduate degree in Photography, Video & Related Media from the School of Visual Arts, NY in 2010.
Her work has been published by a number of printed and online publications including the New York Magazine, New York Times Style Magazine, Stern, Newsweek Japan, Ojo De Pez, FotoMagazin, Camera Austria, PDN Photo of the Day, New Yorker Photobooth, Slate Behold, LPV Magazine, Business Insider.
Latest honors and awards include PDN Photo Annual 2012, NPPA Best of Photojournalism Awards 2012 (1st Place, Art Of Entertainment), Prix de la Photographie 2012 (2nd Place), FotoWeek DC 2012 (3rd Place), International Photography Awards 2011 (1st Place, Culture), Eddie Adams Workshop XXIV (Selected Photographer), PRC Exposure 2011 (Selected Photographer).
Dina is represented by Polaris Images agency and Anastasia Photo gallery in New York City.
Connnected There But Not Always Here
Dina Litovsky
From January 28 to May 19, 2013
The Light Factory’s Knight Gallery
345 N. College Street
Charotte NC 28202
USA
