Empty Presence

Lauren Kupchanko

Empty Presence is a photographic series about grief. There are plenty of coping mechanisms
involved with grief, and my specific focus for this project is my reflection of loss and longing.
My grandfather Alex passed away when I was 5 years old and my grandmother Marian passed
away before I was born. The series was shot at Princess Point, a conservational park in Hamilton, Ontario. It was once a fond place for my grandparents and when they both passed away, their ashes were laid at this park. This series conveys emphasis on the empty presence I feel from their physical absence in my life. An empty void that I’ll never be able to fill or replace. Princess Point communicates the lack of a physical connection but embodies the continuous emotional obstacles I face.

    About The Artist

    Lauren Kupchanko

    I am a creative individual who has connected with photography as an art medium from a young age. I am pursuing my passion for Photography as a Toronto and Hamilton based photographer and I am motivated and fascinated about creating visual and photographic works.

    My time as a student specializing in the Photography Studies program within the Image Arts School at Toronto Metropolitan University has reinforced the importance of initiative, socialization, and determination. I continuously want to learn and grow as an artist. I am inspired to express my emotions and be the best version of my creative self. While my portfolio includes work in portraiture, still life, and product photography, I also specialize in documentary projects that explore personal and social narratives. I am currently focused on expanding my creative reach and seeking new opportunities in commercial photography such as weddings and family portraits, alongside my continued work in personal documentary storytelling.

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