Evan Baden

The Illuminati

In Westernized cultures today, there is a generation that is growing up without the knowledge of what it is to be disconnected. The world in which we are growing up is always on. We are continuously plugged in, and linked up. We take this technology for granted. Not because we are ungrateful, but because we simply don’t know a world without it.

 

From our earliest memories, there has always been a way to connect with others whether it is Facebook, cell phones, email, or instant messenger. And now, with the Internet, instant messaging, and email in our pocket, right there with our phones, we can always feel as if we are part of a greater whole. These devices grace us with the ability to instantly connect to others, and at the same time, they isolate us from those with whom we are connected. They allow for great freedom, yet so often, we are chained to them. They have become part of who we are and how we identify ourselves. These devices ordain us with a wealth of knowledge and communication that would have been unbelievable a generation ago. More and more, we are bathed in a silent, soft, and heavenly blue glow. It is as if we carry divinity in our pockets and purses.

Coming of Age: Photographing the Journey

2008

Minnesota Museum of American Art

St. Paul, Minnesota

 

Lila with Nintendo DS

2007

30 x 40” (76 x 102cm)

Chromogenic Print on Plexiglass

 

Alicia with iPhone

2007

30 x 40” (76 x 102cm)

Chromogenic Print on Plexiglass

 

Shannon with iPod

2007

30 x 40” (76 x 102cm)

Chromogenic Print on Plexiglass

 

Neil with PC

2007

30 x 40” (76 x 102cm)

Chromogenic Print on Plexiglass

 

Cory in GMC Yukon

2007

30 x 40” (76 x 102cm)

Chromogenic Print on Plexiglass

 

Katie with LG Chocolate

2007

30 x 40” (76 x 102cm)

Chromogenic Print on Plexiglass

 

Nick in Chrysler

2006

30 x 40” (76 x 102cm)

Chromogenic Print on Plexiglass

 

Nikki with iBook

2007

30 x 40” (76 x 102cm)

Chromogenic Print on Plexiglass

 

Joanna with PC

2007

30 x 40” (76 x 102cm)

Chromogenic Print on Plexiglass

 

Blake with PC

2007

30 x 40” (76 x 102cm)

Chromogenic Print on Plexiglass