Milligan College senior Tori Duncan presented her photography exhibit on Sunday, March 19, titled “Stable.”
Duncan lives the equestrian life and competes in horse competitions. Her photography work captures the essence of life as well as her passion for horses and equestrianism.
Duncan’s exhibit was tastefully put together, the frame of each photo well thought-out and in-line with the rustic textured aesthetic. It consisted of documentary style photographs of individuals at the stable and abstract photographs of the horses. For example, one of her photographs displays a horse’s mane. There is balance between her direct intention of depicting stable life and her artistry as a photographer.
Written on her exhibit wall was a quote from Leah Smith, a woman Duncan met while taking photographs for her exhibit.
It read: “Farm life is important to show to a generation of children with an increased social media and technology influence. Having a passion so deeply in something people are losing in today’s world.”
Duncan also met many other new faces while developing her project.
“I got to go out and see the validation in being an equestrian,” Duncan said. “I got to go out and meet people that want to keep this lifestyle alive.”
It all started when she posted an add on Facebook asking farm owners if they were willing to let her come take pictures at their barn for her senior photography show.
“I got so many messages of people saying, ‘Please come take pictures of my farm,’” she said. “I wasn’t able to go to all the farms that messaged back.”
For Duncan, it is about capturing the truth and beauty of equestrian life. Her view is simple and pure: “I can only hope that, through photographs, people who haven’t had a chance to find their stability in a crazy world are inspired to do so.”
Duncan is from Johnson City and will be graduating in May. She will continue with photography and hopes to travel the world doing it.
“I would love to go anywhere and everywhere,” Duncan said.