THE HOSTING IMAGE
The hosting image carries a tension between the desire to be with others and an inability to gather in physical space. When we are away from home, when our homes are no longer safe, or when others cannot travel to visit us, images provide alternate sites of gathering. While individuals bear the right to host, we can share this ability with images and aid them in being seen from our common areas, both public and intimate. The hosting image can gather us in two ways. First, we can collaborate toward its making by conceiving of its limits, borders, frames, or lack thereof. And after, though we may be isolated when we view the image, we can feel close to others by recognizing our sensibilities, our feelings, and our needs in their work. The roles of viewer and artist need not be distinct points of entry into the hosting image. The intention of the hosting image is to invite a relation between image and artist, seer and seen, guest and host.
