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An independent show of black and white photographs titled "Morocco: Moments on Side Roads" will be on display on the second floor of the Kirner-Johson building starting January 27. Karsten Lund '03, a recipient of a Schambach grant which enabled him to remain in Morocco after his academic term abroad, spent last summer there on a self-designed project to explore though photography the themes of tradition, modernization, age, youth and questions of identity. Lund's advisor for the project is Associate Professor of Art Ella Gant, and the exhibit was made possible with funding from the office of the Dean of Faculty.

Lund had several goals in mind while designing his proposal early last spring, and he is confident that they have been achieved.  Lund hoped to be forced out of his "comfort zone" and to be able to create a collection based on his own interpretations of Moroccan culture, while leaving interpretation up to his audience as well.  Lund commented that "Overcoming the feeling of 'invading' someone else's life was important and difficult, and when I did overcome this anxiety, I often found people willing and excited to be photographed."

Lund feels he has grown most as a photographer, not only in technical skill but also in appreciation of how difficult his chosen passion really is in practice. He notes, "One is always weighing ethical questions that come with taking a candid picture on the street, and there is a certain vulnerability that exists when you are out in the world trying to capture an image as it occurs."

"It has been an astounding and enjoyable time, which has indeed been eye-opening and full of discovery." Lund continues, "My advice for other grant winners is to be ambitious and try and do something with your stipend that isn't easy. In the end, if you are challenged and enjoy what you are doing, it may seem easier regardless."

 

 

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