Paul Graham

a shimmer of possibility, 2004-2008

Paul Graham, California, from the series “a shimmer of possibility,” 2005–06

One of the many great aspects of my day job at Pace is the ongoing opportunity to delve into the work of the artists on our roster. Recently, I’ve become particularly fascinated by the British photographer Paul Graham. After moving from London to New York in 2002, Graham embarked on his first of many trips across the United States in August 2004, determined to capture the essence of the country. The resulting images, published in twelve volumes titled a shimmer of possibility, celebrate his endearment of the mundane.

Perhaps instead of standing at the river’s edge scooping out water, it’s better to be in the current itself, to watch how the river comes up to you, flows smoothly around your presence, and reforms on the other side like you were never there.

— Paul Graham

Paul Graham, New Orleans, from the series “a shimmer of possibility,” 2003-2006

In the midst of an election season here in the United States, I find these images resonate more profoundly than ever. Graham’s work poignantly reflects "American life"—the good, the bad, the lonely, and the vibrant blend of experiences that characterize our daily existence. His vision serves as a gentle reminder to slow down and truly observe the world around us, rather than rushing past it.

Paul Graham, California, from the series “a shimmer of possibility,” 2005

The collection was exhibited by curator Susan Kismaric at the Museum of Modern Art in 2009. In the exhibition’s press release Kismaric offers that “Graham’s attention deflects [the photograph’s] predictable impact on us, so that instead of only recoiling at a problem we feel we can’t do anything about, we let our attention be drawn to the normalcy of life and the small pleasures people experience.”

The choreography that Kismaric describes of recoiling and being drawn in resonates as our present-day social feeds oscillate between memes and massacres.

We have so much more looking to do. We have so much grief work to do. Both which require care and attention.

Speaking of care and attention, I wanted to share that 100% of proceeds from this month’s subscriptions will be going to support Hood Huggers International, based in Asheville, NC, an amazing organization that has been dedicated to “Rebuilding Affrilachia” (a term coined by Frank X Walker, refers to Black folks living in Appalachia) since it’s founding in the early 2000s. HHI’s key pillars include a commitment to art, environment and social enterprise. You can make you own donation to their efforts here and you can follow them on Instagram here for more updates on their incredible work.