un budding

At the age of 18 two things happened affected the course my life . I came to the realization I was not happy in my body , and craved to be perceived differently .Consequently , I started documenting myself .It seemed as if the only way I could communicate with that notion was by creating an inner realm through taking self portraits . Captured in a consecrative manner , The images reflect moments of extreme emotional states , from fragility and vulnerability to instances of spiritual connectivity and enlightenment. The viewer is invited to participate in my journey into an inner world where one can experience the trials and tribulations of spiritual and physical transformation.The evolution of an idea into matter . The project challenges the construct of humanity by turning the camera around and using the self-portrait to chronicle a life in transition . Its non conforming value discard the need of identification with any man made social definition thus gives the viewer a different perspective on existing . I believe that through exposing oneslef to other probabilities of being , ones being is altered and at the same time educated to understand and see from new perspectives .

A middle ground between two lands coincidently sets the stage for the birth of photographer, Nitzan Krimsky. In Jerusaem’s Maale Efraim, Krimsky comes of age in the midst of Israel’s occupied territories. The setting appropriately backdrops an initial split between a grounding path, as half of his homeland is bound to Israel, and the other to Palestine. The settlement is situated precisely where two different panoramas connect; the dark brown, soiled Sumerian mountains juxtaposed against the coffee colored desert of the Jordan Valley. Spinning towards adult hood, like these two lands, Krimsky battles through familiarities and differences. He is faced with an internal struggle laced with confusion and wonderment. Born a female, the child projects his identity as a the neighborhood tomboy. He retreats to boyish activities, such as forming and leading a "gang " of local boys, excelling in sports, and building tree houses. In the years to follow he experiences the urge to search for and relate to others like himself. Krimsky is drawn to Tel Aviv’s nightlife in search of others facing the same struggles with sexual definition, orientation, and desire. In this period Israel's perception of diversity descends from the times of passage. The passage from the dark days of conflict and disgrace of being different, to fully celebrating the new freedom of identity. Homosexuality is a newly welcomed lifestyle in Tel Aviv, despite Israel’s contrasting history. After moving to the city as a minor, Krimsky spends four years dedicating time to studying individuals. He in turn devotes himself to the art of deciphering the different. An underlying hunger for validation of his own identity becomes the driving force. Through search he will experience confusion and hope, isolation and solitude.This process introduces a new outlet that proves to be a guiding light through his personal transformation. Photography comes naturally, and acts as a catylast in his exploration of gay culture. Advised by a musing photographer-friend, and guiding professionals providing him with materials, workspace, and artistic council, Krimsky finds solace in the realm of his newfound artistic medium. By the age of eighteen Krimsky is encouraged by his comrades in the gay and transgendered community to document both the progression of Tel Aviv’s LGBT youth. The city paints the perfect incomprehensible way of life, being shared by MTF transgenders, gays, bisexuals, lesbians. From the sidelines Krimsky captures the strengths and vulnerabilities of Tel Aviv's night life, and in turn begins a ten year process of self documentation of artistic expression. Over the years the LGBT Youth has overcome numerous struggles in the pursuit to define identity and freedom. Krimsky attributes a great deal of his inspiration to the trials and tribulations of this movement. He identified strongly for several years as a lesbian woman in attempt to belong to a group. However after some time, through constant travel and relocation between countries Krimsky develops a sensation of restlessness. Krimsky’s identity, which so tightly centered around his orientation began to shift. He often found himself caught up in moments of emotional vulnerability, questioning the stigma to belong, and dreaming of a future of freedom from the dogmatic definitions of even the gay community. Nitzan believes that his work of observing his growth through self-portraiture will at some point unveil the depths of such grave depression and disillusionment.