The full series is constructed with a total of 54* images
The 10th Floor Project strives to capture the essence of individuals within the vibrant communal environment of a shared living space. This environmental portrait series offers a unique blend of memory, personality, intimacy, and history. Unlike traditional portraiture, it weaves a narrative within the subject's personal space, immortalizing fleeting moments through the luminous medium of photography.
During the 2022-2023 academic year at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I had the privilege of cultivating a vibrant community of 49 residents as a resident advisor for the 10th floor of one of SAIC's Resident Halls. In this role, I facilitated meaningful conversations and mentorship sessions, acting as a bridge between students and campus resources while fostering a sense of belonging. Witnessing these connections blossom, I felt compelled to document the unfolding stories and cherished memories of my residents, capturing their evolving bonds with roommates and friends throughout the year.
Through "The 10th Floor Project," I embarked on a visual odysse, discovering the extraordinary within the everyday. My lens captured the melodies of shared laughter echoing through the halls, the whispers of secrets shared, and the silent conversations that resonated within the confines of the 10th floor. As I navigated the interplay of light and shadow in each room, the project transcended a mere documentation of physical spaces. It transformed into a poignant photobook, a tapestry woven with emotions, a visual symphony resonating with the nuanced rhythms of communal living.
More than a collection of images bound together, the photobook became a treasure trove of shared experiences, a testament to the unseen threads that bind these individuals together. Each turn of the page delves deeper into their personal spaces, revealing not only the tangible treasures of their lives but also the intangible aura that lingers in the air – the shared dreams that simmer and bloom, the ambiance of companionship, and the structure of collaborative advancement within these walls.
"The 10th Floor Project" invites viewers to step into a world where ordinary moments become extraordinary, where individual narratives intertwine to create a powerful portrait of a community in bloom.
Thanks to :
Cat Martinez Tobi Cameron Lee Kesiime Akankwasa Trairat Harntaweesompone Xavier Frederick Forcier Nicolas Albert Santero Amaya Lewicki Ally Kate Broderick Rey Andrea Schmieta Krystal Kang Olivia Caroline Gibson Lillia Grace Murphy Maicah Esperanza Cabello Elaine Anna Yue Kamilla Ismailova Sarah Catherine Price Dariah Kamara Hannah Jane Lynch Hannah Yoobeck Cho Sharon Liang Jack Snelling William Sun Breanna L Moldoch Tulika Nerkar Chloe Kodiak Paul Isabel Loretta Braden Rovenna Armi Matteo Giuseppe Buscaino Lexi Regan
November 13, 2022* The book comprises a total of 54 pages.
2022 - Ryan Oh