Debbie #1, from the series I Have Something to Tell You
Adrain Chesser, Debbie #1, from the series I Have Something to Tell You, 2003, dye coupler print, The Blue Sky Gallery Collection; Gift of James and Susan Winkler, © unknown, research required, 2004.96.5a
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
Debbie #1, from the series I Have Something to Tell You
- Related Titles
original language: Debbie #1
series (original language): I Have Something to Tell You
- Artist
- Date
2003
- Medium
dye coupler print
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
image: 9 1/2 in x 7 3/8 in; sheet: 13 5/16 in x 10 7/8 in
- Inscriptions & Markings
signature: A. Chesser 2003, black ink, verso bottom right
title: DEBBIE #1, black ink, verso bottom left
- Collection Area
Photography; Northwest Art
- Category
Photographs
- Object Type
photograph
- Culture
American
- Credit Line
The Blue Sky Gallery Collection; Gift of James and Susan Winkler
- Accession Number
2004.96.5a
- Copyright
© unknown, research required
- Terms
In 2004, Adrain Chesser asked his close friends to participate in a project that both draws from and challenges established modes of photographic portraiture. Chesser placed his subjects in front of a backdrop of luxurious curtains taken from his childhood home. Beginning each portrait session by stating, “I have something to tell you,” he revealed that he had contracted HIV and had recently been diagnosed with AIDS. Chesser continued to make photographs as the conversation unfolded. Although his subjects presented their best selves to the camera prior to hearing Chesser’s declaration, they did not, or could not, suppress subsequent expressions of confusion, surprise, anger, and grief, emotions that are rarely depicted in traditional studio portraits.
- Exhibitions
2010 Likeness: Portraiture from the Photography Collection Portland Art Museum
