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Location: Chicago

Jessica Harvey

: i am a rock. i am an island. 2012 "i am a rock. i am an island" is a project that was born from solitary expeditions across Iceland while searching for old Quonset huts. During World War II, the United States occupied Iceland when they originally claimed neutrality during the war. The U.S. had a continuing military presence in the country until 2006. While traversing the country alone, the vast emptiness of the land mimicked my own personal journey, and this body of work focuses on the sublime solitude of the Icelandic terrain. The landscapes are deconstructed and re-examined, projecting hints of human element in environments void of people. These images act as a catalyst for a fantastical exploration of the memory and psychology one attaches to place.

: somewhere out there, from the series ‘i am a rock. i am an island.’ 2012

: waiting for katla, from the series ‘i am a rock. i am an island.’ 2012

: heaven from the video series, '100 songs to cry to' In '100 songs to cry to', I record myself singing to 100 different songs that bring me to tears. These videos are captured on my iPhone, referencing the bedroom confessional and 'selfie' culture that is now prevalent in the digital world. While this project may seem melancholy in nature, humor comes through as well. Some of the songs that make me cry are not always related to sadness and in turn, they also make me laugh. Through this project, I aim to create a deeper understanding of the psychology of crying, ties to music and emotion, as well as the stigmas attached to crying women.