The emotional richness of Kelli Connell’s photographs stems from their ambiguity. Connell composes scenes that pause in the indecisive moment, and characters who linger in slow time. The open-ended nature of the scenes makes it difficult for the viewer to categorize the subjects or define the nature of their relationship. But it’s apparent that intimacy grows there, and Connell seems to draw the pulse of her imagery from this source.

The photographs in this exhibition are part of a much larger body of work, one that has been ongoing for twenty years. Connell crafts a recognizable picture of the complex and bonded feelings and small moments of a long-term relationship. That it feels so real, when it’s entirely constructed, is a marvel.

Click to see the full exhibition web page

Connell generously helped lead a workshop for kid’s in Bloomington. Participants traced a double outline, and took time to think about the multiples sides of each person.