07
Puntas Abiertasby Lauren Oliver
32 pages
5.5” ✕ 8”
300 copies
2024
Edited by Martha Naranjo Sandoval
Designed by Aline Enríquez and Martha Naranjo Sandoval
$16
“Puntas abiertas translates to split ends, the brittle, dry, and oldest parts at the ends of our hair strands. Throughout my experience with a camera, I've consistently turned it towards myself, treating it like a mirror to reflect upon and reconcile my disparate parts. This inclination stems from a deep-seated need to piece together my identity, fueled by my mixed-race background and the perpetual feeling of not quite belonging entirely to one place/or culture.
In recent years, as I've continued to photograph myself, I've come to recognize the profound symbolism encapsulated within the strands of hair that I've spent a significant portion of my life growing. My hair symbolizes resilience, endurance, and commitment. Much like the rings of a tree, it bears witness to my experiences, documenting my growth, challenges, and well-being.
My hair, in its split ends and its entirety, serves as a tangible link to my family and heritage, connecting me to generations past and the complex tapestry of my lineage.”
-LO
She uses photography, filmmaking and performance to explore her multicultural identity.
Oliver holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photography from SUNY Purchase. Her photographs have been featured on i-D, Buzzfeed, F-stop Magazine, and The Luupe. Her first monograph, Temple of the Self, published by Monolith Editions in 2020, is in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Thomas J. Watson Library at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Lauren works between the Gowanus Community Darkroom and Mono no Aware where she teaches and helps coordinate educational programming.