Photoville

What would you say to the one who got away? This short question taps into something all of us share: each of us has someone or something that got away from us.

In this series by Oliver Blank, the subjects in each portrait are connected through the profound loss of a loved one in their life. The images invite an intimate meditation on grief and a moment of shared catharsis. Viewers are encouraged to call each number and delve deeper into each subject’s personal story to hear a recorded message for their one who got away.

These recordings reveal the spectrum and commonality of human emotion. The resentment of rejected lovers. Sweet streams of consciousness remembering an old friend. Playful anecdotes capturing a moment lost in time and preserved in memory.

This portrait series is based on Oliver’s long-running project and podcast, The One Who Got Away. Since 2014, callers from around the world have dialed 718-395-7556 to leave their own messages for lost loves, forgotten friendships,and missed connections.

Artist Bios

  • Oliver Blank

    Oliver Blank

    Oliver Blank is a British-Persian photographer and artist making work about intimacy and affection. His work encompasses documentary photography, public installations, participatory artworks, and music. Oliver currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Organizations

  • Photoville

    Photoville

    Founded in 2011 in Brooklyn, NY, Photoville was built on the principles of addressing cultural equity and inclusion, which we are always striving for, by ensuring that the artists we exhibit are diverse in gender, class, and race.

    In pursuit of its mission, Photoville produces an annual, city-wide open air photography festival in New York City, a wide range of free educational community initiatives, and a nationwide program of public art exhibitions.

    By activating public spaces, amplifying visual storytellers, and creating unique and highly innovative exhibition and programming environments, we join the cause of nurturing a new lens of representation.

    Through creative partnerships with festivals, city agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, Photoville offers visual storytellers, educators, and students financial support, mentorship, and promotional & production resources, on a range of exhibition opportunities.

    For more information about Photoville visit, www.photoville.com

The One Who Got Away

 archive : 2023

Featuring: Oliver Blank

Presented by: Photoville
  • Photoville

Locations

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View Location Details Download a detailed map of this location Brooklyn Bridge Park – Emily Warren Roebling Plaza

1 Water St
Brooklyn, NY 11201

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This location is part of Brooklyn Bridge Park
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Related Events

Jun 32023

Portrait Session with Oliver Blank for The One Who Got Away

What would you say to the one who got away? Have your portrait made by photographer Oliver Blank and take part in this project that explores love, loss, and life.

Learn More

This website was made possible thanks to the generous support and partnership of Photowings