Muzi Quawson

Graduated from Royal College of Art

Selected by Brett Rogers

Bow and arrow, Woodstock, New York, 2005

I was struck by how successfully this work operated as a three-part slide projection building on the repertoire of both the conventions of film and still photography.

The intimacy, concentration and power of the still image is manifest through its simultaneous orchestration over three screens.

With over 220 individual images of the young woman musician who is the subject of the piece, the viewer is encouraged to build up an emotional relationship with the life of the subject to a point of real intimacy and understanding, journeying with her on the road trip from the deep south where she originally came from to Woodstock in the north, where she now lives.

Clearly a bit of an outsider who has been exploring different ways of living, the informal non-hierarchical nature of the slide installation accompanied and amplified by the music track - allows you a way into a life which is by turns full of moments of real companionship and joy as well as isolation and self-reflection.

Muzi's work was distinguished by her complete engagement with the subject, a sophisticated understanding of the medium and the range of memorable single images.

Chosen by Julian to celebrate our 21st birthday