Carl Bower’s series Private Fears, like most of his projects, was a direct outgrowth of personal experience. Bower spent several years struggling with a companion turned stalker. Restraining orders were undermined by wavering resolve, and his personal life was a disaster. Yet he kept it hidden, too embarrassed to share his situation with anyone. The longer it went on, the more ashamed he became, leading to further isolation. The experience left him wondering what others were hiding, what they were afraid to tell anyone for fear of repercussions. He knew how well a facade can be maintained, that we cannot trust what we see. Our fears are held closely, are intensely personal, and often isolating. Bower asked complete strangers to share their fears and be photographed. For some, the experience is cathartic. This series examines the dichotomy between who we are and who we appear to be and how little we know of those around us, and what they carry.

Zoom Artist Talk: Wednesday, November 6 on Zoom

Carl Bower (American, b. 1966) is a photographer exploring intimate portrayals of private experience, through both documentary work and portraiture. Frequent themes include perceptions of beauty, coping with adversity, personal identity within prevailing social structures, and the relationship between trauma, shame, and isolation. His images are made with the intention that the medium not be part of the message, but rather a transparent conduit between the subject and viewer. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, his work has been exhibited at the Georgia Museum of Art, the Phoenix Art Museum, and the Annenberg Space for Photography.

Carl Bower, Veronica, 2020

Carl Bower, Palynn, 2020

Carl Bower, Lizeth, 2020