Gregory Crewdson is a remarkable photographer who ambitiously, but successfully, creates images that reflect a sense of paradox, providing viewers with more questions than answers. Crewdson’s images create a level of tension between two opposing elements in the frame. At one point the viewer is drawn into the image through the sheer beauty that each carefully composed frame offers, yet as individuals reflect on the image, delving deeper into the subjects and surroundings, there is an underlying ugliness that disrupts the scene. This disruption causes tension, creates questions and prompts viewers to imagine themselves in the scene.

Crewdson utilises this tension to reflect the current society that is on display in contemporary America. As a viewer we have a glimpse into the unique, yet often mundane world that is American suburbia. Observers of Crewdson’s work are invited to act as a voyeur, gazing into the world of each subject matter, scrutinising their behaviours and responses to the world around them in an image. As individuals gaze at Crewdson’s images, they are met with a sense of frustration that comes with not knowing. In each of Crewdson’s images, something is missing, ignored or just not quite right. This sense of ambiguity creates a tension within viewers as they strive to find answers, yet, like the important reoccurring motif in Crewdsons’ photography, this thought process goes around in a circle, constantly questioning but coming to no definitive answer.

There is a certain level of comfort that comes with peering into the familiar world of Crewdson,s images. As viewers we can connect the dots to familiar people, events and locations that we come across every day. However there is an eerie undertone that contradicts these recognisable situations. Perhaps it is this familiarity that drives us to believe there is something wrong. When confronted with these images, there is a certain level of self sacrifice that you put into the photo. You can envision yourself appearing in one these domestic conflicts that Crewdson depicts. This scares people, it frustrates individuals as they attempt to ignore the facts of  life that shine through these delicately constructed images. The plausibility of Crewdson’s images makes for a unique experience, these beautiful compositions draw you in quickly, making you ignore the dark undertone that each photograph evokes. If you allow yourself to analyse each photo deeply, you understand that this intriguing aspect of being a voyeur, that initially sucks you in, is merely a tool to prompt a personal reflection of your own life. Some would call this a trick, perhaps this true, but it is more complex than that.

This duality between the serene and violent qualities of Crewdson’s work collapses time around the photo, capturing a moment in time that each person can relate to. It reflects the nature of life and the way we are drawn to the familiar yet get put off by the unknown. This unknown could be a reflection of our deepest insecurities that come out of each photograph. In reality each individual strives to be there own unique person. In this process and search for individuality we often loose sight of the “truth” around us. This truth lies in the fact that despite our different personalities, past mistakes, dreams and aspirations, we are all the “same”. Same in the sense we all strive to be intricately connected to one another, we all share similar emotions and on the whole, similar experiences throughout our lives. It is this familiarity that brings people together and allows for information to be shared amongst others and the world around us. Crewdson shines a light on these familiar objects and scenarios in our life. What we are drawn into, is really the visceral impact that is reality. We are subdued by these common questions that arise in this unique viewing experience. This relationship between nature and domesticity highlights the uncanny and absurd nature of our very own beings.

Each image provokes a paradox, in the sense that there is a beautiful ugliness to each photograph. It provides a glimpse into the unusual experiences of others, yet serves as a mirror, reflecting back our own experiences and bizarre scenarios, prompting us to look into the deeper “truth” of our lives.