Connor’s Version) is an exploration of the past and present in the format of two books that document my sixteen-year relationship with singer/songwriter, Taylor Swift.

The first book is a stripped-back archive catalogue. Each page contains only one image per page, followed by a barcode (item number) and a caption containing the scale and the materials used. The second book is based in graphic design, with layouts that resemble a physical album booklet. Album booklets frequently feature photoshoots of the artist surrounded by lyrics; however, my book instead incorporates artworks and writings from my personal portfolio. Additionally, the design choices all reference Taylor Swift’s catalogue of album booklets, revisiting her work with my art with intense attention to detail – the same way she’s actively replicating and rerecording her previous work in extensive detail. All original creative teams are credited throughout the book responsibly. All works in the design book will be referenced by the unique barcode (item number) found in the archive catalogue. By using the album booklet format, I contextualize my work to my relationship with Taylor and her music, while also emphasizing the relationship and continuity between music and the visual arts.

Both books are 12” x 12”, creating a visual kinship to her vinyl records, and are presented in an installation format that shows the two books surrounded by the physical works from the archive for the first time.

(Connor’s Version) presents itself as a love letter to my younger self and my relationship with singer/songwriter and inspiration, Taylor Swift. With this work, I explore and honor the very journey that my self-expression and self-discovery have been on since being initiated by my seven-year-old self in 2006.