detiana

At about 4pm I was pacing around my apartment, searching for the motivation to go out in the rain and talk to strangers. Last night I smashed a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and stayed up until midnight watching Roger Federer play in the French Open with my mom. I slept like garbage and so today I considered staying inside, just photographing myself, and calling it good.

Eventually the rain subsided and I decided to get dressed and just have a look outside. I pushed my bike to the park and took a lap. About half way around the park, I came across a birthday party that was alive with music and laughter. Unsure about how or who to go and ask about a picture, I took a seat on a bench nearby and listened. Eventually I made my way towards the party and started asking adults if they spoke English or German. The first few said no, only French. Soon I was talking to Nina, then Thomas, and then I started socializing the idea of a group photo with anyone who approached me in an effort to get a critical mass of trust and interest. It didn’t take long and so I started setting up my lights. A few minutes later there were almost forty beautifully expressive faces looking in the general direction of my lens.

I learned that Nina is from the Congo, she’s been living in Switzerland for thirteen years, and that the birthday girl’s name is Detiana (front center). As far as personal storylines go that is about as much as I discovered. After the group shot, I offered to take individual portraits for anyone that was interested and there were several takers. I started to pack up and Nina and Thomas continued chatting with me about my project, photography, and art. As “Happy” by Pharell Williams played on the speakers, Detiana’s birthday party resumed and I pushed my bike towards home with a smile on my face.

[25] Sunday, June 6, 2021