Forms of Recluse

Forms of Recluse

Loneliness has long been explored and depicted in the art world, from Edward Hopper’s infamous diner painting Nighthawks (1942) to Gregory Crewdson’s wintry photographic series Cathedral of the Pines (2013-2014). Solitude is a facet of the human experience, and, in today’s hyper-digitised climate, it is increasingly recognised as a widespread emotion. Kyle Thompson (b. 1992) produces photographs that depict such feelings. His series are often placed within gloomy Oregon forests. Just like Crewdson and Hopper, location is a key detail. The images are shot within self-consciously empty environments, which allow for an uncomfortable quietude. Amongst the deep green palettes, performative self-portraits further express stillness, silence and distress. Thompson notes: “My main recognisable features are obscured, creating an anonymous figure that can feel both impossible to identify, yet easy to relate to.” www.kylethompsonphotography.com