Finales #4 . Chaco Canyon . 13.5 x 13.5 (framed)

Finales Series

Mixed Media Photographic Panels

Sabrina Staires 2024

In my latest series of photographs, I explore the concept of the "finale" through the lens of the last frame of a roll of film. Each photograph embodies a conclusive moment, a culmination of experiences, emotions, and narratives woven throughout the entirety of the roll.

The finale, often understood as a concluding event, serves as a metaphor for reflection and resolution. Just as a finale in performance art signifies the end of a journey, the final frame encapsulates the essence of what has come before it. These images represent not only a moment frozen in time but also an invitation to contemplate what precedes and succeeds each captured instant.

Working with film inherently creates a sense of intentionality and foresight. The very act of shooting on film involves careful consideration, allowing each frame to build upon the last until only one remains. This last frame carries with it a weight of significance, often evoking a sense of nostalgia or closure. It invites the viewer to ponder their own interpretations of finality—be it an ending of a chapter, a transition in life, or a subtle reflection on the passage of time.

Through this exhibition, I aim to provoke thought about the stories that culminate in our own lives. Each final frame is a reminder that endings, no matter how bittersweet, provide fertile ground for new beginnings. In capturing these moments, I hope to evoke a shared sense of appreciation for the delicate interplay between what is concluded and what lies ahead.

fi·na·le

/fəˈnalē,fəˈnälē/