The common adage ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ conveys the general understanding that beauty is subjective. Beauty – by this common definition – is not solely determined by physical attributes, but also by personal qualities that one possesses; both relying on individual perception.
Beauty is personal exploration of self-perceptions, perceptions standardized by others, and innocence. Although strong in her personal identity, in childhood and adulthood Tracie Williams has struggled with image. This “beauty” world in which her sister Annie – same father, different mother – plays a part, introduces an entirely different set of perceptions.
Tracie Williams is an American born – New Mexico native – street and social documentary photographer based in New York City. Tracie’s passion lies both within documenting quirky, unexpected moments in addition to emotionally charged, intense situations. As a street photographer she appreciates the beautiful and weird observations that are captured in a fraction of a second. As a social documentarian, her intent is to shape emotive, provocative essays that create awareness outside one’s self. Sometimes social justice fuels her motives, but ultimately her objective is for her viewers to slow down, take a moment, and simply think.
Tracie recently completed a long-term personal project where – from its inception leading up to the one-year anniversary on September 17, 2012 – she embedded herself within the Occupy Wall Street movement. Living an activist, transient life Tracie documented the ever-changing environment; from protests and civil disobedience to the more personal moments, conversations, and comradely that erupted in communities across the country. Love and Rage – a photography book offering a glimpse into this unique period of US history – will be released in the coming months.
Prior to braving the streets of the big apple, Tracie lived overseas for 10 years. She called Melbourne, Australia home for 8 years and spent the latter 2 volunteering and freelancing for humanitarian NGO’s in Laos. During her time there she produced a large body of work – Broken Bodies. Broken Hearts. (which began in 2007) – documenting the impact of the CIA led Secret War waged on Laos. Despite the war ending over 30 years ago, the unexploded bombs that litter the landscape still continue to kill and maim approximately 300 people annually.
Tracie’s current pursuits involve documenting the impact and long-term recovery of the communities in the Rockaways, New York; one of the areas most devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
Kickstart our month-long festival of the arts with music, photography, and community on the shores of the dazzling Bondi Beach. Be the first to know who won the 2024 Head On Photo Awards and get a taste of the photographs redefining visual storytelling.
Enthralling. Enchanting. Extraordinary. Discover exceptional photography for free around Sydney during the festival 8 Nov–1 Dec 2024
