Photo © Fred Mitchell
Talent of the Year 2020 - NOMINEE: Fred Mitchell
A Country Boy Can't Survive
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These images collected over the past twelve years began with the realization that I would soon depart my childhood home. I felt it imperative to record the people, places, and events which shaped my upbringing. This notion has persisted long after I moved away, and as a result this project is ongoing.
For some time, this work has haunted me. I was overwhelmed to relive my formative years. Now as an adult, while I continue to make these images I can see the details that I was compelled to record. I feel a sense of longing & loneliness but also the urgency & awareness that was part of childhood. Although I no longer reside in Alabama, these pictures allow me an ephemeral return home.
About author:
Technically speaking Fred Mitchell is legally blind, but through the miracle of optometry this German born artist was gifted the ability of sight. The youngest of three, he was raised by the daughter of a failed country music singer. Early on he dreamed of being a writer until he realized the amount of attention required. Naturally Fred devised the obvious fallback to become a professional rollerblader. Unfortunately, he lacked necessary coordination. Instead he went on to study and receive his BFA and MFA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas respectively. Fred was an adjunct professor for five years until he was poisoned by his department chair.
His various projects are informed by the unusual moments of everyday life, but reoccurring themes revolve around experienced traumas and how people/objects respond to such events. Beyond art, Fred is interested in educational reforms, improvisational comedy, and sustainable living. When not taking photographs, he spends most of his days in Los Angeles trying to win the affection of his two dogs, who prefer the company of his spouse. He has been described as having a massive potential for growth. Speaking of growth, his first monograph will be released later this year through Yoffy Press detailing a failed relationship by way of photographs of dead plants, color fields, and accompanying poetry.
For some time, this work has haunted me. I was overwhelmed to relive my formative years. Now as an adult, while I continue to make these images I can see the details that I was compelled to record. I feel a sense of longing & loneliness but also the urgency & awareness that was part of childhood. Although I no longer reside in Alabama, these pictures allow me an ephemeral return home.
About author:
Technically speaking Fred Mitchell is legally blind, but through the miracle of optometry this German born artist was gifted the ability of sight. The youngest of three, he was raised by the daughter of a failed country music singer. Early on he dreamed of being a writer until he realized the amount of attention required. Naturally Fred devised the obvious fallback to become a professional rollerblader. Unfortunately, he lacked necessary coordination. Instead he went on to study and receive his BFA and MFA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas respectively. Fred was an adjunct professor for five years until he was poisoned by his department chair.
His various projects are informed by the unusual moments of everyday life, but reoccurring themes revolve around experienced traumas and how people/objects respond to such events. Beyond art, Fred is interested in educational reforms, improvisational comedy, and sustainable living. When not taking photographs, he spends most of his days in Los Angeles trying to win the affection of his two dogs, who prefer the company of his spouse. He has been described as having a massive potential for growth. Speaking of growth, his first monograph will be released later this year through Yoffy Press detailing a failed relationship by way of photographs of dead plants, color fields, and accompanying poetry.