Ellipsis
Ellipsis
A woman trapped in her cell phone at the foot of a stairwell in Grand Central Station, New York City, 2019.
Every epoch brings a technological tool that supplants human personal and social paradigms, erasing something in us with golden patinas of advancement hiding under wolf's clothing the very materials and tools of mass power, while seemingly improving something in our lives.
It keeps surprising me how the artist inside my head projects something from my unconscious unto something and someone completely outside of my body and self. Which begs infinite questions about the true inner workings of "realities" proposed by the brain. From neuroscience to philosophy to even leftover glimmers of theological propositions because with all our advancement we can still not disqualify the metaphysical or supernatural. But let me not digress - again.
Because this is what I see here: A woman trapped by a tool as bright in the photograph as a tiny star, so lost in it her body is not allowed to stand at a point that makes sense. It almost seems that she came full stop at a wall in a labyrinth without being aware that she is in a labyrinth. The fool's gold color of the hand railing points to promises that are just that, fool's gold. She is so close to an entry or exit point and yet her body language conveys she is not aware of that entry point. Nothing in her frame points to an exit. I must have been using a telephoto lens and must have been mesmerized by her entrapment that I shifted the length of the lens rapidly while the slow-shutter release of taking the photograph took place so that I captured the same things at two separate lens lengths with the trailing ghost of the same items smearing in between the points. And I am reminded of electrons spinning at the speed of light around atom nuclei if one could get a visual glimpse of that this is what it might look like given our human limitations.
And so inside the sketch inside my head, now projected onto the woman documented here, is first, then the woman acquires a gender-less faceless unknown stenciling of all faces everywhere. Then all the items in the photograph are iterated: the stairwell railing, the woman, her cell phone, even the ghostly figures above the scene. And this is what cell phones do today. They have become tools of power over the individual consciousness, implanting and iterating ad nauseam desire and behaviors so that we may not know if our body stops at a non-human point in the architectural habitat it traverses. And so the powers are truly re-shaping consciousness to satisfy economic commodities at so clearly here the expense of human well-being.
From emotion to behavior, to the very innards and structures of the psyche, an architecture of the individual consciousness of the human animal is being fabricated right before our eyes in a way that is already a done deal without us the user having any awareness of how it steers us oxen-like to stand lost in the wrong part of a maze. How many commodity-shaped selves of each one of us are re-wired, ehem, grafted rather on top of what should be an individual by the current misuse of technology? Is it not clear here, dear viewer? Don't you, viewer, see yourself here, and there, and everywhere all day and night, being guided where to stand? Because power wants you there in a physical place it can control you, absolutely. Fool's gold inside the color purple of power and death made diaphanous by the brainwashing of post-industrial easy-pickings psychology.
Would you let anyone, any stranger, enter your house, go through your closet, through every single one of your thoughts and things without your permission? Would you let anyone enter your home and "guide" you to certain news or friends or situations on an everyday basis, select things for you, point you to stories that reinforce your stereotypes, and agitate you against others? Well, all of that and so much more is what you allow that cell phone in your hand to do. This lady is you, dear viewer.
"That straight line you walk is the arch of an infinite circle." Jorge Luis Borges. Not written exactly as this in his short work, "Abenjacan..." I always wonder that it wasn't really a circle, because Borges may have thought it a parody and I wondered that he must have been aware that it wasn't parody but a fact that our species creates things that ultimately enslave us when it creates them following the edicts of a system of production. And so as long as we allow ourselves to be trapped by the dictums of a system of production, we will iterate the enslavement of consciousness over and over again. So, I think Borges knew in his heart of hearts that it wasn't a parody, or a circle, but an ellipsis.
So sorry, dear viewer, if I come across as insufferably highfalutin here and everywhere. Just things that go through my mind about the nature of our reality the way water goes down our windpipe when we are thirsty.
"That straight line you walk is the ellipsis on an infinite circle," my penny's worth adaption.
"Enuf said," Henry used to say.
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PRINT INFO
Title: Ellipsis
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.