Extimacy

Extimacy is a real word. It is not the opposite of intimacy. It combines exteriority – the surface conscious self – and intimacy – the subconscious inner self. Extimacy folds the inner and outer into a continuum. The images were created using a portable flatbed scanner which needs to be in intimate contact with the subject to create an image. Using the scanner involves an invasion of personal space. It focuses attention on physical and emotional boundaries and in doing so, one’s perception of self. In contrast with an instantaneous photographic moment, each scan takes about ten seconds and multiple scans are required to create context. The work represents a sequence of such intimate moments created over time, later blended to echo the couple’s intimate relationship and create a sense of extimacy. (Extimacy is the current subject of my MA Photojournalism and documentary photography show at London College of Communication)