DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE AT PARSONS.
I feel my experience here at Parsons was a very positive and educational experience. I originally come from Israel where I received my BFA in photography so coming here to NY provided me with exposure to the NY art scene. During these past two and half years at Parsons I was given the freedom to work and develop my projects independently but I also received feedback and constructive criticism from an array of professors, visiting artists and my classmates which are a very diverse group of people. I also feel that Parsons gave me an interesting opportunity to interact with the different departments such as fashion and DT. I feel the exposure to the different departments allowed me to further expand my research.
WHAT IS YOUR STRONGEST MEMORY FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE OF A PARSONS STUDENT?
I think the strongest memory I have from Parsons was receiving the acceptance letter since that was a life-altering moment. It meant leaving my friends, family and job in Israel and moving here to NY and beginning a new life.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK TODAY?
My focus is a collaged architecture, both photographic and physical, which stands as a metaphor for a failed promise. The process includes collecting internet-based architectural imagery that references Modernism and Brutalism, two architectural styles that have been closely affiliated with forms of Utopian thought which strived to better human life through design of space.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES IN YOUR OPINION, OF LIVING AND GOING TO SCHOOL IN NEW YORK?
I feel that living in NY is a great advantage. The exposure to the art scene is invaluable. As an artist I feel it is important to familiarize yourself with the contemporary art world. This allows you to learn a lot about your own practice and also you are able to differentiate yourself by emphasizing your own unique qualities, which sets you apart. Also I feel that being in NY allows you to network on a more personal level just by going out and meeting people. Human interaction on a personal level is a great advantage as opposed to just sending emails.
IN WHAT WAY WAS PARSONS HELPFUL IN DEVELOPING SKILLS AND CONTACTS TO SUCCEED IN THE PHOTOGRAPHY WORLD?
Parsons was a way for me to network by meeting different professors and visiting artists.
IN WHAT WAY DO YOU FEEL PARSONS HELPED YOU IN DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER PATH?
I feel that Parsons helped me in multiple ways:
First, I feel Parsons introduced and familiarized me to the different aspects of the art world such as curators, gallery owners and buyers. This helped position myself and understand the way this complex system works. Second, I feel that being in Parsons allowed me to develop my work in a deeper more profound way. I also learnt to understand my needs as an artist so that once I leave Parsons I can continue to work and establish a work pattern.
LOOKING BACK WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE WHO IS JUST ABOUT TO GRADUATE?
In my experience, if one is contemplating going to graduate school, I would recommend waiting at least a year. I feel that waiting between undergrad and grad school gave me perspective. I was able to gain real life experience outside of school and learn about myself, my process and about being an artist in the real world. Once I began my masters, I felt very appreciative of my time here in Parsons. I knew what I wanted to achieve while I was back in school again.
