After comprehensive observation and documentation of a one-block section in Austin, I created a visual essay presenting the uncovered qualities of the site based on my own hierarchy of categories. I found most compelling the contrast in the way people are represented on paper (with excessive emotion) and the way people act in reality while they are there (oblivious). With careful consideration of the other categories in relation to this main theme, I manipulated the documentation to tell the story of the site:
Boy falls in love with girl.
Boy tries to win girl’s heart.
Boy feels overwhelmed, intimidated, and confused.
Boy goes unnoticed.
Boy tries to win girl’s heart.
Boy feels overwhelmed, intimidated, and confused.
Boy goes unnoticed.
The result is a small picture book that unfolds into an accordion. One side visually categorizes the original documentation that inspired the story, while the other side illustrates the story through collages of the site photographs.
