Ariel Swartley's Transition from Journalism to Photographic Storytelling
Ariel Swartley, a former journalist with decades of experience writing for publications like Rolling Stone and The New York Times, has shifted to creating photographic art. Her work blends visual and narrative elements in what she calls #photograficnovels, merging her background in writing with photography. After relocating from the East Coast to California, her art explores Western landscapes through series like Sky Lines and West Winds, often addressing themes of memory and loss. Recent projects include Untrue Confessions, featured in Book as Art 2023 in Decatur, Georgia, and the Cerulean Room series shown at TAG Gallery in Hollywood in 2024. Swartley continues to develop new works, such as the upcoming A Visit to San Pierre Sur Mer, focusing on transformation and domestic spaces.
Key facts
- Ariel Swartley previously worked as a journalist for nearly 40 years, contributing to Rolling Stone and The New York Times.
- She creates #photograficnovels that combine photography and text as narrative tools.
- Her move from the East Coast to California influenced series like Sky Lines and West Winds, exploring Western landscapes.
- Untrue Confessions was selected for Book as Art 2023 in Decatur, Georgia.
- The Cerulean Room series was part of TAG Gallery's Let Freedom Ring exhibition in Hollywood in 2024.
Entities
Artists
- Ariel Swartley
Institutions
- TAG Gallery
Locations
- Decatur, Georgia
- Hollywood
- California
- New York
- Boston
Sources
- AATONAU —