© Matthew Jordan

I first heard about Matthew Jordan’s Half Empty series via Amy Stein’s blog. Jordan and Stein are part of the 3 x 5 exhibition at The Paul Kopeikin Gallery in Los Angeles through February 3, 2007.

It took me a few minutes to realize that I was looking into mirrors and other reflective surfaces. Then came the next question: if this is a mirror, where’s the photographer? I quickly clicked over to read Jordan’s statement about the project:

For these images, I photographed myself in reflective surfaces: in my apartment, outside of a glass building, in the window of my therapist’s waiting room. Always shooting at eye-level, I intentionally included sufficient context for viewers to immediately recognize that they are looking into a reflective surface. I then removed my image and the camera using digital means.

© Matthew Jordan

Jordan goes on to explain how we, as onlookers, immerse ourselves in his work:

The prints are face mounted to the most highly reflective Plexiglas. On the surface, onlookers are confronted with a ghosted reflection of themselves. Through this singular reflection the photograph becomes personalized for whomever is looking at it. Taking on the properties of a mirror allows the work to function as both photographic image and reflective object. The viewer simultaneously sees the image and his reflection; this literally embodies the belief that all viewers bring a part of themselves to their experience and estimation of an artwork.

What a great concept. I’d love to be able to see these awesome works in person to get the full effect.