Empty Presence

Lauren Kupchanko

A figure, viewed from behind and wearing a dark hooded winter parka and light pants, walks on a narrow dirt path dusted with snow. The path cuts through tall, dried golden-brown weeds and grasses. Beyond the fields, a calm, gray lake stretches, bordered by a dense line of trees displaying rich orange and russet autumn leaves, some partially bare. A vast, uniformly cloudy and gray sky hangs overhead, suggesting a chilly late autumn or early winter day.

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

A black and white studio portrait featuring a young woman with long, straight hair parted down the middle. She looks towards the viewer with a gentle, neutral expression. Dramatic lighting highlights her left side, creating strong contrast against the dark background and shadows on her right. She is wearing a dark, zip-up top.

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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