What began as a collection of images intended to simply have as keepsakes from a memorable time period has turned into a substantial catalogue of curiosity. My growing fascination with the city and capturing its many moods has developed since coming back to Chicago post-quarantine.

This project gives a glimpse of the urban landscape through a lens of abstraction. By viewing the city as a sum of its parts and exploring the layered experience of existing within it, I began to understand it as a multidimensional entity. Not only am I studying the patterns, figures, and details that show up, but also finding the beauty in the mundane.

Within such a fast-paced environment, I aim to emphasize the notion that there’s value to be found throughout one’s journey that would be missed if focused solely on the destination. Through the practice of being present, Chicago has transformed into an endless domain of visual exploration for me with its many elements constantly shifting and changing. By embracing the essence of the In Between, I am able to use photography as a tool to better understand the world around me.

by Anastasia Jewel Murphy

A practice in presence.

I got a lot more than photographs out of the many walks I took during my time in Chicago. More often than not, I arrived back home with moments and insights that found me while wandering.

I realized early on in my time in the city that I wanted to incorporate photo walks into my developing creative practice. I love the mental shift that happens when being fully present in one’s environment and tuning in to the world around you that usually gets lost in the blur of daily hustle and bustle. That state is activated for me when out on a walk with my camera in tow. Photo walks have proved to be an amazing alternative meditative process to me.

I encourage others to venture out on photo walks on their own and with friends (safety first). Following one’s curiosity and exploring visually can lead to some surprising images as well as a deeper understanding within oneself if you’re open.

Check out Prints to bring a frame from my world into yours. A glimpse. A portal. A moment shared.