Growing up can be something we anticipate or dread, usually depending on where we stand with ourselves. Becoming an adult and being independent is something we long for as a kid, but gaining that independence may come too quickly for some people. As some of us grow up, we long for that youthful mindset we once had and long for a way to bring it back. Younger people are seen as being energetic, careless, and clueless. Adults, on the other hand, are pictured as wise, professional, and in possession of a long-awaited sense of freedom. As many of us realize in our lives, many of these factors we are expected to achieve do not always come out the way we want to. Knowing where we stand with ourselves and embracing our true youth, even in times when things are going too fast in life, can bring a sense of peace to all ages.
In this project, we take a trip through different ages and their highs and lows. The journey from life to death is one we try to complete anything and everything, and even at younger ages, we complicate ourselves with the ideas of what to do when we grow up. As I photographed different age groups, I challenged myself and the subjects to depict themselves in a way they usually do not do. This method was done to emphasize the inner conflicts and free spirits of ourselves that we often intend to hide from others.
About the Artist
Kamilla Silverio- Flete is currently a junior at Saint Jean Baptiste High School. For what seems to be her whole life, she strives to create art in any way that she can. Inspired by her culture, family, friends, and community, Kamilla looks to create stories and express herself and others in ways that may not be able to be said with words.
This project was created as part of the Future Imagemakers program in the NYU Department of Photography and Imaging at Tisch School of the Arts in Spring 2024. To see all the 2024 Future Imagemakers projects, click here.