Untitled | Ben Lam
Ben Lam
- Date2014
- TechniqueDigital photograph, ink print
- Size
From the series INSIDE/OUT
By: Sophia Dekel Caspi
“Every time I pass by an installation hanging high above house or building fences, I wonder what would happen if these works would be exhibited in a museum, would they be treated differently?” These are the words of Ben Lam, the well-known fashion photographer, who until recently was the house photographer of the mythological Gottex company.
The random encounter between the photographer’s eye, forever searching a subject, lead Lam to create the series of works called INSIDE/OUT, one of which was purchased by the Ilana Goor Museum.
Lam explains: “I’m sure they are convinced that they are great artists yet to be discovered. They have no wish to present their work beyond their yard or balcony. It’s somewhat hidden. Peeking a little to be seen from the outside... So they do want these things to be seen... People pass by it and don’t notice... They are not trying to become famous. The works are very humorous. They don’t write their name on a little sign, and the works also have no title...”
To create his works Lam uses contemporary easily-available tools: a digital Nikon camera with natural lighting and a home Epson printer. Controlling all processes, from choosing the subject of the photo to deciding the exposure, without the intervention of various clients (editors, manufacturers, media people, etc.) allows Lam to create freely, flowing with and accepting the randomness of the process.