Dust & Misfires
Carlos Chavarría
For the past 8 years I’ve collected photographic errors (Misfires); accidentally shot images containing no or very little visual detail. I think of these images as the quintessential symbol of photography and the snapshot aesthetic. They embody that element of serendipity so intrinsically connected to photography and the democracy of the medium.
While collecting these images, I also photographed the places where I found them. These were usually salvage yards, flea markets, or antique shops. These places have a particular relevance given the digital transformation of photography. They serve as repositories of physical photographs in an era when most images exist only on screens.
Rather than attempt to decontextualize these found images, the project aims to put these photographic errors in context by collaging them with images of the places in which they were found. This creates a portrait of the image-hunting process, while at the same time embracing the photograph as object.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Carlos Chavarría
Born and raised in Madrid (Spain), Carlos Chavarría graduated from the European University of Madrid with a master’s degree in Photography in 2010, that same year he was selected as one of the best upcoming photographers to participate in the international award "Descubrimientos PhotoEspaña”, shortly after he moved to San Francisco to continue developing his career in photography and quickly got involved in the photography community of the Bay Area, taking part in several group shows in galleries and venues across the United States. He was also the recipient of Rayko’s artist-in-residence program in 2014 and was chosen as one of PDN's 30 new and emerging photographers to watch in 2016. More recently, his project Façade was shortlisted for the 2020 Perimeter International Photobook prize in Australia
Currently, Carlos splits his time shooting both personal work and editorial assignments for magazines like Apartamento, California Sunday Magazine, The New Yorker or WSJ Magazine.
