ReadysetDC A CREATIVE URBAN ENTERPRISE

Words w/ Angela Kleis [Fixation Fotog]

Reported by Tracy

Photo by Samer Farha

Some consider it exhibitionism, but I’m not sure I would call it that…

ReadysetDC caught up with one of my favorite photographers, Angela Kleis. Angela will be featured in the second annual Fixation exhibit part of Fotoweek DC. We chatted about traffic, making out and killing people.

You can check out Angela’s work on Flickr under akkleis and her website, for upcoming shows or events.  If you look hard enough you can find her on Twitter, where she has a lot to say about nothing.

All this week ReadysetDC will feature “Words w/” Fixation photographers. This Saturday November 6th come out and join Ten Miles Square and the Pink Line Project at Industry Gallery for what is sure to be a great show.

TC: Fixation highlights subcultures of DC, can you tell us about the photos you’ll be showing and the subculture they peek into?

AK: As a personal project, I started taking photos of public displays of affection, and it didn’t take long before I started to notice how a sample of the population would take hand-holding and innocent make-out sessions to a whole new level of intimacy.  Borderline inappropriate, and definitely not discrete, these couples seem to have formed their own personal space, which excludes anything beyond the reach of their arms (or legs).  Some consider it exhibitionism, but I’m not sure I would call it that, as I really don’t think it’s as much of a show as it is simply being so passionate about the person you’re with that it doesn’t matter who else is around.

My purpose is not to exploit them or their actions, but to show how comfortable they are with each other, which, ultimately, makes many around them uncomfortable.  And, that really fits into an underlying theme found within my work.

I think D.C. is better suited for artists due to the size…

TC: What are your thoughts on the DC art scene or DC photography scene in general? Do you think us, as photogs are a “subculture?”

AK: I think anything can be considered a subculture, including photography.  People do different things and tend to gravitate to others who do the same; like photography, motorcycles, tattoos, and knitting could all be considered subcultures.  DC does have a very active art scene.  I hear a lot of comparisons made to how it’s not NYC, and how much better art is in bigger cities, but this is Washington, D.C.  It’s the nation’s capital.  There are a lot of suits and politicos, and that’s just how it is.  In some ways, I think D.C. is better suited for artists due to the size, and how strong and welcoming the artist subculture has been to me.

TC: Have there been any terrible accidents lately?

AK: Yes.  And, I’m feeling very pushy.

TC: How did you get into photography?

AK: I don’t really remember…it was just something I always did.  I had Polaroid and a camera with flashcubes and a Kodak Instamatic, and I was always sending film away to be developed in the little envelopes you’d find in the Sunday newspaper.  In 1987, Santa brought an SLR and a few lenses, and about 35 cameras later, here I am.  Lately I’ve been soul-searching to see where next it’ll take me.

TC: You prefer digital or film? Why?

AK: There’s nothing wrong with digital, but I like film.  I think because I’m more of a tactile person and get frustrated by software and computers, so the ability to manually manipulate something comes much more natural to me.  I don’t have a digital camera, but I’ve been known to hijack one to play around with if it’s available and I don’t have one of my own. All the photos I’m showing at Fixation are film, shot on Neopan ISO 1600.

work out what you can do to make it your own…

TC: Any advice for photographers just starting out?

AK: First, why photography?  Answer that question, first, and figure out what it is you want and then connect with others who can be a source of support and inspiration.  Everything has been done before; work out what you can do to make it your own.

TC: What do you love about DC?

AK: I love the people I’ve met and the opportunities to show my work in the area where I live. I’m not a very political person, but I think it’s crazy how people forget that this is the capital of our country, where the President lives, and where the museums are mostly free. But, just like anyone else, I don’t think I’ll be here forever. .

TC: What do you hate about DC?

AK: Traffic.  Waiting 20 minutes between Metro trains.  July and August.

TC: Is there a place in DC you go to find inspiration for your work?

AK: Actually, I find it a lot easier to LEAVE DC to find inspiration, because when I come back, I tend to have a few new ideas to work off of.  It’s not that D.C. doesn’t inspire me; it does.  I just work better when I remove myself from what I see around me every day and recharge.  But, I do like to watch people, so when the weather is nice, you can usually find me in a park somewhere.

TC: Any upcoming projects or shows, beyond Fixation?

AK: I will have a photo in the artdc.org patron show at the Lustine Gallery in Hyattsville in December.  After that, we’ll see what happens.  It’s been a very busy year.