Borealis
Borealis
I have mixed feelings about this portrait of a woman looking at her cell phone while walking in the grand hall of Grand Central Station, New York City
The more I photograph individuals in the street the more and more I find them tethered to their cell phones and I am reminded of Odysseus' men trapped in the island of the lotus eaters. I too am trapped often in my cell phone, though the constant self-awareness of this exercise is more and more allowing me to question it and to "remember" what I am and who I am when I am not tethered to the cell phone. Documenting this woman walking while cell-phoning snaps me out of it a la Cher slapping Nicolas Cage in Moonstruck.
Yet I can not help but interpret the emotion she is expressing as she looks at her phone, not so much that she is reacting to the information she is in-taking but rather it is the face of someone absolutely inside an experience that is designed to control and direct her every aspect of life, emotion, hope, desire, dreams; every single thought and feeling is colored by the commodity-sale flashed from that single silicon chip by power institutions that remain unseen. And I mean, unseen. Her body language -- and I know I might be projecting subjective experiences, I get that, but take a leap of faith and just allow the interpretation to hold a moment, because the image, although it is a historical, non-representational, primary-source document, has the capacity to become a metaphor, to convey the universal as it is the same expression my camera finds in countless others -- the aspect of her expression, her lowered head, her bend neck, her pace, her uniformed clothing, speaks of unconscious acquiescence to the powers behind that phone.
On the other hand, this candid portrait reminds me of the lyrical idealization of classical Greek sculpture of women. And I wonder how my male gaze is here working through without me being conscious of it. Why did I select this color palette in post-production? Did I unconsciously shape the act of taking the photograph so that the ether-like elements surrounding her appear in such a lyrical way? Why did I photograph her in profile? How important was it to photograph her back pack and why did I photograph it? Is my male gaze present? Or was I projecting someone else in my life, perhaps? The act of photographing a person in the street without their knowledge can be categorized as invasive and violent. Was I compensating for my lack of permission? Or was I truly documenting what a woman like her looks like at the beginning of the 21st Century so a thousand years from now someone like her may know what she looked like a millennia ago?
On a third hand, the woman I document here reminds of the Venus of Villendorf because this is what she has become twenty-five thousand years later. And here she is, documented, -- not a representation hammered out of stone or brushed out of oil paint -- despite any and all of my subjective biases and shortcomings.
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PRINT INFO
Title: Borealis
Series Title: Passenger
Year: 2019
Medium: Photography
Media: Archival Pigment Print
(Dye Sublimation Aluminum Print available upon request)
SIZES AND EDITIONS
Each artwork in the Passenger series is offered in two sizes, with rare editions for each.
SIZE ONE - PRINT ONLY
Image Size: 16 x 20 in - 40.6 x 50.8 cm
Sheet Size: 17 x 22 in - 43.2 x 55.8 cm
Edition of 5
Size Two - Print Only
Image Size: 75 x 60 in - 190.5 x 152.4 cm
Sheet Size: 78 x 63 in -198.1 x 160 cm
Edition of 3 + 1 Artist's Proof
(Artist's Proof is not available for sale)
Each artwork is signed, editioned, dated, and titled on the verso. A certificate of authenticity will be included.
Explore the tabs below for details on FREE SHIPPING, EDITIONS, our RETURN POLICY, and precise FRAMING measurements.
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CONTACT
For inquiries about the Passenger series, you can reach me at:
Email: marco@ma9.co
Tel: +1 347-772-9370 (New York City)
EDITIONS
For those new to the world of art collecting, the term "editions" refers to the number of copies produced from a single original piece of artwork. Editions help ensure the exclusivity and value of each print. Understanding the difference between limited and rare editions is crucial for collectors.
In all of my fine art photography, I am committed to offering rare editions to ensure exclusivity and high value for collectors. Each artwork is produced in extremely limited quantities, with only 3 prints available for the larger size and 5 for the smaller size. Some series are even more exclusive, offered in only one size with an edition of 3
RARE EDITION
Definition: A rare edition is even more exclusive than a limited edition, implying extreme scarcity with very few prints available.
Typical Range: Rare editions typically include fewer than five prints and sometimes might even be a single print.
Value: Due to their extreme rarity, these prints are highly valuable and sought after by collectors.
Numbering: Similar to limited editions, rare editions are also numbered and usually signed by the artist.
LIMITED EDITION
Definition: A limited edition refers to a set number of prints produced from a single image. Once this number is reached, no more prints are made, ensuring scarcity.
Typical Range: The number can vary but is often between 5 to 50 prints. However, some editions can be larger.
Value: The value of a limited edition print is usually higher than that of an open edition (where prints are made continuously) because the supply is restricted.
Numbering: Each print in a limited edition is usually numbered (e.g., 1/25, 2/25) and sometimes signed by the artist.
EXCLUSIVITY
Each series is composed of a maximum of 18 to 27 artworks. No other artworks from this series will ever be offered for sale. Once an edition for an artwork is sold out, no more prints will ever be available. Once all editions for all artworks in my series are sold out, the entire series will be sold out. This ensures the exclusivity and enduring value of each piece and each series as a whole.
In summary, while both limited and rare editions indicate a finite number of prints, rare editions are more exclusive and scarce, generally making them more valuable. This distinction is important for collectors and galleries as it directly influences the market value and desirability of the prints.
Framing
Framing, as displayed under each artwork, includes wood with acid-free mat and archival materials, along with clear acrylic featuring superior UV protection. Your framed artwork ships with installation hardware, and it arrives ready to hang. Unframed prints will be shipped in a tube. Additional framing options are available at an extra cost - please email me at marco@ma9.co for more information.
Free Shipping
Enjoy free shipping on all orders placed within the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska.
International Shipping: International shipping is available at an additional cost. For more information, please email me at marco@ma9.co.
Processing & Shipping Time: All orders take approximately 10 to 15 business days to print, mount, frame, and prepare for shipping. Once shipped, delivery via UPS Ground typically takes an additional 3 to 7 business days. The total time from order to delivery is approximately 13 to 22 business days.
Tracking Information: You will receive tracking information once your order is shipped.
Return Policy
Custom Orders
- Personalized Creations: Each product is custom-made just for you, making it unique and special. As a result, all orders are final. We do not accept returns, nor offer refunds, exchanges, or credit.
- Our Promise: We use the finest archival materials and hand-assemble each frame to ensure top quality. Every print is color-matched to the artist's original file and fully authenticated.
- Damaged or Incorrect Orders: If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us within 48 hours. Please include photos of the shipping box and the damage, along with your order number. We will work with you to resolve the issue, although we do not accept returns, nor offer refunds, exchanges, or credit.
Handling Damages
- Our Commitment: We stand by the quality and craftsmanship of our products. However, in rare instances, your order may become damaged during transit.
- Reporting Issues: If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of receiving your package. Send clear photos of the damage and the packaging.
- Resolution Process: We will review your photos and decide on a case-by-case basis whether to repair or replace the damaged item. This process may take up to 30 business days. While we aim to resolve issues within this timeframe, it may extend beyond it. Replacements are subject to our current manufacturing and shipping schedules. Note that you may be responsible for return shipping costs.
Defective Products
- Product Defects: If you believe your product is defective (not just damaged in transit), please contact us within 48 hours of receiving your order. Provide clear photos and a description of the defect. We will review and decide on a case-by-case basis whether to repair, replace, or refund the item.
Third-Party Receivers
- Inspection Upon Arrival: If your artwork is shipped to a third-party receiver (e.g., warehouse, installer, framer), please ensure it is inspected upon arrival. Any damage must be documented immediately by sending clear photos of the damage and the packaging. Once the artwork is checked in at the warehouse, ownership transfers to you.
International Orders
- Placing Orders: Orders outside the continental U.S. and Canada will not be accepted through our website. International clients must place orders privately by contacting us via email. The buyer is responsible for shipping, duties, and any other costs associated with international shipping.
Limitation of Liability
- Scope of Liability: Our liability is limited to the purchase price of the product. We are not responsible for any incidental or consequential damages.
Dispute Resolution
- Resolution Process: Any disputes arising from this policy will be resolved as per our Terms of Use.
Posting Policy
- Visibility Requirement: Our return policy is clearly posted on our website and at the point of sale. This ensures compliance with state-specific laws requiring conspicuous posting of return policies.
For any questions or assistance, including reporting damages or issues, please reach out to us at marco@ma9.co. We are here to help and ensure you have a wonderful experience with our fine art photography.
Return Policy
- Personalized Creations: Each product is custom-made just for you, making it unique and special. As a result, all orders are final. We do not accept returns, nor offer refunds, exchanges, or credit.
- Our Commitment: We stand by the quality and craftsmanship of our products. However, in rare instances, your order may become damaged during transit.
- Reporting Issues: If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of receiving your package. Send clear photos of the damage and the packaging.
- Resolution Process: We will review your photos and decide on a case-by-case basis whether to repair or replace the damaged item. This process may take up to 30 business days. While we aim to resolve issues within this timeframe, it may extend beyond it. Replacements are subject to our current manufacturing and shipping schedules. Note that you may be responsible for return shipping costs.
- Product Defects: If you believe your product is defective (not just damaged in transit), please contact us within 48 hours of receiving your order. Provide clear photos and a description of the defect. We will review and decide on a case-by-case basis whether to repair, replace, or refund the item.
- Our Promise: We use the finest archival materials and hand-assemble each frame to ensure top quality. Every print is color-matched to the artist's original file and fully authenticated.
- Damaged or Incorrect Orders: If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us within 48 hours. Please include photos of the shipping box and the damage, along with your order number. We will work with you to resolve the issue, although we do not accept returns, nor offer refunds, exchanges, or credit.
- Inspection Upon Arrival: If your artwork is shipped to a third-party receiver (e.g., warehouse, installer, framer), please ensure it is inspected upon arrival. Any damage must be documented immediately by sending clear photos of the damage and the packaging. Once the artwork is checked in at the warehouse, ownership transfers to you.
- Placing Orders: Orders outside the continental U.S.,. Hawaii, and Alaska will not be accepted through our website. International clients must place orders privately by emailing me at marco@ma9.co. The buyer is responsible for shipping, duties, and any other costs associated with international shipping.
- Scope of Liability: Our liability is limited to the purchase price of the product. We are not responsible for any incidental or consequential damages.
- Resolution Process: Any disputes arising from this policy will be resolved as per our Terms of Use.
- Visibility Requirement: Our return policy is clearly posted on our website and at the point of sale. This ensures compliance with state-specific laws requiring conspicuous posting of return policies.