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 on the street, the more I find them tethered to their cell phones, and it reminds me of Odysseus’ men trapped on the island of the lotus eaters. I, too, am often trapped in my phone, though I’ve become increasingly self-aware of this habit, allowing me to question it and “remember” who I am when not tethered to the device. Capturing this woman walking while looking at her phone snaps me out of it—like Cher slapping Nicolas Cage in *Moonstruck.*
Yet I can’t help but interpret the emotion she’s expressing as something beyond just reacting to the information on her screen. It’s the face of someone caught in an experience designed to control and direct every aspect of her life—her emotions, hopes, desires, dreams. Everything is colored by the commodity on that silicon chip, managed by unseen institutions of power. And by unseen, I mean *truly* unseen. Her body language—though I admit this might be my projection—speaks of acquiescence to the forces behind that phone. The lowered head, bent neck, uniformed clothing, the pace of her steps—there’s a submission here, one I’ve noticed time and again through my lens.
On the other hand, this candid portrait evokes the lyrical idealization of classical Greek sculptures of women. And I wonder: how is my male gaze influencing this? Why did I choose this color palette in post-production? Did I unconsciously craft the image to make the ether-like elements surrounding her appear more lyrical? Why did I frame her in profile, and why was it so important to capture her backpack? Am I projecting someone else from my life onto her? The act of photographing someone without their knowledge can be seen as invasive, even violent. Was I compensating for this lack of permission? Or was I genuinely documenting what a woman like her looks like at the beginning of the 21st century so that someone, a thousand years from now, may see who she was?
And on a third hand, this woman reminds me of the Venus of Willendorf. Twenty-five thousand years later, here she is—documented, not sculpted from stone or painted with oil. Whatever my biases or shortcomings, she stands as a non-representational figure, a primary document of this time.
Click on the PASSENGER tab below to explore the artist statement and insights behind the series.
PRINT INFO
Title: Borealis
Series Title: Passenger
Year: 2019
Medium: Photography
Media: Archival Pigment Print
CONTACT
If you have any questions about the Passenger series, feel free to reach out!
Email: marco@ma9.co
Tel: +1 347-772-9370 | New York City
Passenger
Candid photography portraits of individuals traversing the grand hall of Grand Central Station, New York City.
What began as a purely aesthetic exploration—an attempt to capture how the natural light within the station softens and transforms faces and bodies—evolved into a broader inquiry into socioeconomic class, culture, and power. My focus on light became a way of invoking the ether-like, ephemeral quality of impressionism, which I extended through post-production recoloring techniques, aiming to give these fleeting moments an almost painterly presence.
Yet these images are also primary source documents of the dynamics that define access to public spaces. As a Latin American immigrant, I have experienced firsthand how identity—where you come from, how you look—dictates your ability to navigate these spaces, shaping your access to power, knowledge, and survival. This series not only records who moves through this iconic station on any given day, but also underscores who is absent—those excluded due to race, class, or circumstance.
Influenced by the sculptures and paintings of ancient Maya, Greek, and Egyptian cultures, my work aims to document this era’s individuals in ways that capture their physical presence and hint at the inner lives they carry with them. As a visual ethnographer, I strive to create site-specific portraits that, like ancient artworks, will one day inform future generations of who we were in this historical moment.
To counteract the inherent subjectivity in documentary work, I employed randomized protocols inspired by Merce Cunningham’s chance methods and archaeological excavation techniques. These processes allowed for a more impartial selection of subjects, reflecting the real diversity and lived experiences of those who occupy this public space.
Framing
Our framing includes wood with an acid-free mat, archival materials, and clear acrylic with superior UV protection.
We offer framing for prints up to 32 x 40 inches. Each framed artwork includes installation hardware and arrives ready to hang.
For additional or custom framing options on any size, please reach out to us at marco@ma9.co for details.
Visual Rendering On Your Screen
The Sofa Display images and Frame Option previews are digital renderings that provide an approximate visual representation of the artwork and framing. Screen sizes, resolutions, and color settings may vary across devices, affecting the accuracy of scale and color reproduction on your screen. Please refer to the table below for exact print and framing measurements.
Free Shipping
Enjoy free shipping on all orders placed within the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska.
Free shipping is available for framed prints up to 32 x 40 inches. Your framed artwork includes installation hardware and arrives ready to hang.
Free shipping also applies to the PRINT ONLY option on any size, with your artwork shipped securely in a protective tube.
Custom framing is available for any size upon request—please contact me directly for details.
International Shipping
We’re happy to offer international shipping. For details and a personalized quote, please reach out to us at marco@ma9.co. We’d be glad to assist you.
Processing & Shipping Time
For framed orders, please allow 10 to 15 business days for printing, mounting, framing, and preparing your artwork for shipping. After that, UPS or FedEx Ground delivery adds 3 to 7 business days. The total estimated delivery time for framed orders is 13 to 22 business days.
For the PRINT ONLY option, orders ship within 3 to 5 business days. Once shipped, delivery via UPS or FedEx Ground takes an additional 3 to 7 business days. Your estimated delivery time is 7 to 12 business days from order to arrival.
Please Note: Delivery times may be affected during the holiday season. We recommend placing your order early to ensure timely arrival.
Tracking Information
You will receive tracking information once your order is shipped.
Editions
Edition Note
The largest print in a series is offered in a rare edition of 3, plus 1 Artist’s Proof (AP), held in the artist’s archive for legacy purposes and not available for sale.
Certification
Each piece is signed, editioned, titled, and dated on the verso. A certificate of authenticity is included.
Pricing
As editions sell out, prices may increase to reflect their growing rarity, demand, and value.
About Editions
In art collecting, "editions" refer to a limited number of prints produced from a single original artwork. Understanding the distinction between rare and limited editions is crucial for collectors, as it directly impacts the value and rarity of each print.
Rare Editions
Rare editions are the most exclusive, with very few prints available.
Typical Range: In my work, rare editions consist of 3 prints, plus 1 Artist's Proof held in reserved for legacy purposes.
Value: Due to their extreme rarity, these prints are highly sought after and hold significant value for collectors.
Numbering: Each rare edition print is individually numbered and signed by the artist.
Limited Editions
Limited editions refer to a fixed number of prints produced from a single image.
Typical Range: Limited editions in my work range from 9 prints for smaller sizes to a rare edition of 3 for larger sizes.
Value: While more accessible than rare editions, limited editions still offer exclusivity.
Numbering: Each limited edition print is numbered and signed by the artist.
Exclusivity
Once an edition is sold out, no additional prints will be produced, ensuring the lasting value and exclusivity of each artwork.
Return Policy
Custom Orders
Each product is custom-made specifically for you, making it unique and special. Therefore, all orders are final. We do not accept returns, nor offer refunds, exchanges, or credits for custom creations.
Quality Assurance
We use the finest archival materials, and each frame is hand-assembled to ensure exceptional 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, please contact us within 48 hours with photos of the shipping box, the damage, and your order number. We will work with you to resolve the issue, although returns, refunds, exchanges, or credits are not offered.
Handling Damages
While we stand by the quality and craftsmanship of our products, rare instances of transit damage can occur.
Reporting Issues: If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of receiving it. Include clear photos of the damage and packaging.
Resolution Process: We will assess the damage on a case-by-case basis to determine whether repair or replacement is necessary, a process which may take up to 30 business days. Replacements depend on current production and shipping schedules, and you may be responsible for return shipping costs.
Defective Products
If you believe your product is defective (distinct from transit damage), contact us within 48 hours with photos and a description of the defect. We will review and decide whether to repair, replace, or refund the item.
Third-Party Receivers
If artwork is sent to a third-party receiver, such as a warehouse, installer, or framer, please ensure inspection upon arrival. Any damage must be documented immediately with clear photos of both the damage and packaging, as ownership transfers to you once it is checked in.
International Orders
For orders outside the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii, please place your order directly by contacting us via email, as we do not process international orders through the website. Buyers are responsible for all shipping, duties, and associated international costs.
Limitation of Liability
Our liability is limited to the purchase price of the product, and we are not responsible for incidental or consequential damages.
Dispute Resolution
Disputes arising from this policy will be resolved according to our Terms of Use.
Posting Policy
Our return policy is clearly posted on our website and at the point of sale to ensure compliance with state-specific laws requiring prominent posting of return policies.
For 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
Each product is custom-made specifically for you, making it unique and special. Therefore, all orders are final. We do not accept returns, nor offer refunds, exchanges, or credits for custom creations.
Quality Assurance
We use the finest archival materials, and each frame is hand-assembled to ensure exceptional 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, please contact us within 48 hours with photos of the shipping box, the damage, and your order number. We will work with you to resolve the issue, although returns, refunds, exchanges, or credits are not offered.
Handling Damages
While we stand by the quality and craftsmanship of our products, rare instances of transit damage can occur.
Reporting Issues: If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of receiving it. Include clear photos of the damage and packaging.
Resolution Process: We will assess the damage on a case-by-case basis to determine whether repair or replacement is necessary, a process which may take up to 30 business days. Replacements depend on current production and shipping schedules, and you may be responsible for return shipping costs.
Defective Products
If you believe your product is defective (distinct from transit damage), contact us within 48 hours with photos and a description of the defect. We will review and decide whether to repair, replace, or refund the item.
Third-Party Receivers
If artwork is sent to a third-party receiver, such as a warehouse, installer, or framer, please ensure inspection upon arrival. Any damage must be documented immediately with clear photos of both the damage and packaging, as ownership transfers to you once it is checked in.
International Orders
For orders outside the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii, please place your order directly by contacting us via email, as we do not process international orders through the website. Buyers are responsible for all shipping, duties, and associated international costs.
Limitation of Liability
Our liability is limited to the purchase price of the product, and we are not responsible for incidental or consequential damages.
Dispute Resolution
Disputes arising from this policy will be resolved according to our Terms of Use.
Posting Policy
Our return policy is clearly posted on our website and at the point of sale to ensure compliance with state-specific laws requiring prominent posting of return policies.
For 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.