Shot across the States on the streets of Miami, San Francisco, LA, Chicago, New Orleans, Houston, New York and Atlanta, Oli Kellett’s images of America reflect on people living within the urban environment and the tension existing between feelings of belonging and loneliness.

Showing subjects waiting in almost frozen situations, Kellett’s precise direction of light and shadow emphasise and question the relation existing between individuals and groups in a modern American society seemingly caught between reality and dream.

“According to legend, Robert Johnson, the Delta Blues musician, met the devil at a crossroads outside Memphis and sold his soul in exchange for his musical talents. He was forever plagued despite his success. Faustian Tales are more popular at times of moral crisis. We live in an era of fake news, political polarisation and algorithmic echo chambers. Our experience of the world is fractured as we live out multiple identities on and offline.

Crossroads are a democratic place. We all have to wait. On average, we will spend five years ‘waiting’ during our lifetime. Being held at a ‘DON’T WALK’ sign allows us a few seconds, and occasionally minutes, to just be with ourselves, and remember who we are.

At this time of uncertainty and change in America’s history, I’m looking for a moment where individuals are dwarfed by what surrounds them, appearing lost but searching for something. They then go on their way, whichever direction that may be.” – Oli Kellett

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