Interview Jonathan Young
I think photography is a chance for society to look in the mirror.
Name: Jonathan Young
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC
Style of photography: Conceptual Art, Cultural Commentary
Type of camera(s): All Canon, All digital.
Website: www.jonathanbyoung.com and www.jyvisuals.com
What gives you inspiration?
Lately, I’m inspired by people, chaos, and the absurd nuances of the human spirit. I’ve become a little obsessed with the idea of the spectacle and how it reflects personal and collective identity.
What are your influences?
I don’t really know names. I’m trained as a photojournalist and I draw from philosophic ideas. I’m a fan of Martin Parr.
Why did you choose these photos?
These are from a recent series called American Relics. The official tagline is “American history, kept alive betweens lines of culture and commerce, balancing authenticity and imitation in the pursuit of personal identity and profit.” I think it’s the first project I’ve really felt proud of.
What does photography mean to you?
I think photography is a chance for society to look in the mirror. It’s can be a reflection of the human spirit, and I enjoy using it to show the social quirks of society.
Photos:
Copyright reserved by Jonathan Young
