Manifest is a photo series, captured by Kristine Potter, that comprises poignant photos of farmers in Colorado.
Unlike the mythical heroes of the glorious Old West, the companionless men depicted in Manifest appear to live in a vacuum within the harsh landscape that surrounds them. The men surrender to the photographer's lens as willingly as they have accepted their uncultivated and inglorious environment. Their gazes are absent, as if they have willfully accepted the banality and meaninglessness of much of their existence.
Most of the subjects photographed by Potter lead wayward lifestyles, with few of them holding down regular jobs and instead moving from opportunity to opportunity.
The series also aims to challenge the notion of nature as feminine terrain by depicting men in a harsh and unforgiving wilderness.
Lonesome Farmer Photography
Kristine Potter's Photos of Farmers Are Sad
Trend Themes
1. Depiction of Solitude - The poignant photos in the Manifest series highlight the trend of capturing the solitude and isolation of individuals in various settings.
2. Exploring Masculinity in Nature - The series challenges traditional gender roles by portraying men in a harsh and unforgiving wilderness, opening opportunities to explore new narratives around masculinity and nature.
3. Nomadic Lifestyles - The photographs of farmers leading wayward lifestyles and moving from opportunity to opportunity reflect a trend of embracing a nomadic way of living.
Industry Implications
1. Fine Art Photography - The artistic and thought-provoking nature of the Manifest series presents innovative opportunities for the fine art photography industry.
2. Gender Studies - The exploration of masculinity in nature depicted in the series offers potential for disruptive innovation in the field of gender studies and societal norms.
3. Agriculture and Farming - The portrayal of farmers' lives and their nomadic lifestyles sparks potential innovations in the agriculture and farming industry, including new approaches to sustainable farming practices and community building.