This photograph is from a series called The Watchers. Morris-Cafiero produced a range of self portraits in busy public places. Here she is seen sitting on the stairs in Times Square, New York City. Mounting her camera on a tripod or bench, the artist used a timer to take self portraits while doing everyday tasks such as resting, reading a map, talking on the phone or stopping to take a photograph.
The Watchers was published in book format in 2015 and the work also featured on a blog, entitled Wait Watchers, where people made anonymous comments about Morris-Cafiero’s body size. Haley Morris-Cafiero lives in Tennessee where she is an Associate Professor of Photography and Assistant Dean at the Memphis College of Art. The Watchers book is available from our Bookshop on the Lower Ground Floor.
This work is selected by Fiona Rogers. She is the founder of Firecracker, a support platform for women photographers.
The photograph featured as part of the Touchstone programme (2012-2020). Each display consisted of a single photographic work on the Eranda studio floor where visitors were invited to respond to the question 'What do you see?' using the cards and pencils provided. A bench was placed in front of the work, encouraging people to spend a little longer than they might usually. The programme was part of a wider series of projects and activities related to visual literacy.
A selection of audience responses to the question 'What do you see?'
Installation view of Anonymity isn't for Everyone © Kate Elliott
