Mia: Maybe I’m not good enough!
Sebastian: Yes, you are.
M: Maybe I’m not! It’s like a pipe dream.
S: This is the dream! It’s conflict and it’s compromise, and it’s very, very exciting!― La La Land (2016)
“Marketa,” Young Hollywood, 2012.We all know that classic silver screen story: A young actress moves to Hollywood to become a star and in the way must work in a coffee shop or diner to make a living. Hollywood is seen by many as the mecca of entertainment and it is no surprise thousands of aspiring creatives flock there in order to pursue and fulfill their dreams.
“Marketa II,” Young Hollywood, 2013.
Combing through the streets of L.A., Czech photographer Hana Knizova takes pictures of young people looking for a place in one of the most competitive industries of the world. Their faces cannot mask their emotions or ambitions, and these frank and intricate portraits reveal the fluttering hope of aspirants of an industry that has no compunction smothering that hopeful spark. Fame is seen as one of the most valuable currencies in the world and it is an aphrodisiac many people wish to try for at least for 15 minutes. Since the start of great movie studios, the population of Los Angeles has embraced and welcomed thousands of aspirers who see it as the land of creative opportunities.
“Nikki,” Young Hollywood, 2012.
The question here is why do people continue to pursue this dream when only a few succeed? With the immediacy of social media, fame has become a commodity where anyone with an idea, a smartphone, and a Youtube channel can have those precious minutes in the spotlight.
Hollywood, then has become the idealized place where young people can pursue a more ‘serious’ career to become famous stars.
“Larry,” Young Hollywood, 2012.
In her Young Hollywood series Knizova, who started out her career as a model, explores the construction of identity through the individuals’ hopes, dreams, and ambitions.
These images reflect how society has pushed us to believe that success can only be accomplished if we form part of the show business stage and have its glaring lights pointed at our direction. Can you imagine leaving everything behind and starting anew? Would you dare jump into the unknown to accomplish your dreams? Perhaps it is the daring spirit of these young aspirers that allows them to go places beyond their imagination.
Aren’t all dreams shared by millions?
“Ohre,” Young Hollywood, 2013.
As Knizova has stated, she’s interested in how our ambitions, priorities, and motivations change with the passing of time. These portraits intend to work as time capsules, so that in the future their protagonists can see themselves at a time when uncertainty and hope ruled their lives and how these have influenced their present. More than being a collection of head shots, these portraits are meant to be a starting point for these protagonists who are allowed to decide how they want to be photographed. In other words, Knizova –who initially chooses unconventional models– lets them design and control how they want to be captured.
“Barnett II,” Young Hollywood, 2012.
If you want to see more of Hana Knizova’s portraits and series take a look at her Official Website.
–Youth is the time when our dreams and illusions are born, but also the time when our emotions dictate our life choices and behaviors. If you’re interested in how today’s youth has been represented, check these Photographs Of The Happiness, Sadness, And Loneliness Of Youth.
Source:
Beautiful Decay
Sleek Magazine
Huffington Post
