drew michael dzurko

Photography

Artist statement

Relationships are often viewed through a binary lens. This greatly oversimplifies their intricacy, yet they can be one of the most challenging human experiences to navigate. Drawing on the symbolisms of memories Drew created digital images that embody these memories related to lost relationships. Using a binary image converter Drew created a visually simple image made up of only two colors down to each pixel. He then brought these images into a text editor on a computer which would display the raw code of an image. This revealed long strings of machine learning code that are indecipherable to the human eye. By entering names, thoughts, and reflections on these relationships and memories, Drew manipulates the code of the image, resulting in the images responding by fragmenting and chromatically shifting. The thoughts and reflections then became the titles of these images. Through this process, Drew aims to represent the complexity of the relationships and the difficulty of letting go of the people who have played significant roles in one’s life. By acknowledging the multi-faceted nature of relationships, Drew’s work invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and embrace the beauty and complexity of the relationships that shape their lives.

ARTIST BIO

Drew Dzurko is a photographic artist from the suburbs of Chicago. His work dives into the sublimity and complexity of the human experience. Using every photographic process at his disposal Drew manipulates images to create visual representations of feelings, thoughts, and reflections on the sublime experience of human existence. He has exhibited in numerous group exhibitions, “#NewVisions2023: A Student Show” on the Texas photographic Society’s website, “Here but not here” at The Back Space Gallery Dekalb, IL, “Past and Pleasant” at Annette & Jerry Johns Gallery and The Ellwood House Gallery Dekalb, IL, and “(un)processing” at The 4th Street Gallery. He has also shown work in the 2023 “Hand Magazine: Issue 39” and holds a world record with his undergraduate classmates of the world’s largest paper snowflake. Drew Is currently making work about the loss of significant relationships in which he aims to show in a solo exhibition.  

Next
Next

Brookelyn Sears