In his series of two dozen portraits of turn-of-the century prisoners, Arne Svenson uncovers and restores a small history of criminals. The photographs are developed from found negatives discovered in an abandoned warehouse. The diptychs present a mug-shot both full face and profile of criminals guilty running the gamut of petty theft and murder. Their names are etched above their mugs and with names like “R. Lawless” it seems that these prisoners had a sense of humor. After extensive research Svenson discovered that the photographs were taken by Clara Smith during 1900-1908 to chronicle the crime in the town of Marysville, CA. While Svenson has his roots in New York, the Prisoners series connects him to the history of the West Coast in an unexpected way. Part restoration and part archiving the series required careful attention to the fragility of the decaying negatives. While Svenson has his creative roots in New York, part of his practice will also be tied to the days of the wild West.
Why did you decide to pursue your artistic practice on the East Coast?
I was wary of limitations to my creative growth in the area in which I was raised and therefore left Northern California for NYC early in my career. I have always felt more productive following the path of most resistance, and, unlike my California experiences, have found that living/working in NYC provides me with that necessary friction.
What do you find most distracting about your urban environment?
I find nothing and everything distracting about NYC — I choose to live here precisely because of this dichotomy.
What do you feel is unique to your city?
Community.
What do you find most appealing about Los Angeles?
The support my California family/friends/gallery (Western Project) provide me.
What artists have influenced your practice the most?
Robert Adams.
Images from the series Prisoners
Images courtesy of the artist
THE 20+20 PHOTOGRAPHY ISSUE
Arne Svenson is featured within Installation Magazine’s special 20+20 Photography Issue, which highlighted 20 Los Angeles and 20 New York City photographers. Download the full issue on your iPad and iPhone.