The people behind the Craigslist ads
Check out this online photo exhibit by Saratoga Springs-based Mark Andrew. (might be NSFW)
It's called "de-classified" -- and it features photos of people who have posted missed connections and other personals on Craigslist. It. Is. Fascinating.
From Andrew's artist's statement:
When I began the project, I anticipated that by the time I got to 50, I would have captured a fairly complete representation of what was to be had. But now that I've hit that milestone, it is very obvious that I've barely touched the surface. Perhaps when I've completed another 200 I'll be closer to what has become my internal true north for the project - an exhibit that represents the human condition.
Some of the pictures are suprising. Some are sweet. Some are sexy. Some are a bit disturbing.
Many of the people featured are local. Among them: the guy trying to sell his underwear, the woman looking to get her money back and the two girls who spotted a hot guy at Washington Tavern.
We're even pretty sure we highlighted this guy in one of our weekly "Craig and his wonderful list" posts.
[via]
(Thanks, Dan!)
photo: Mark Andrew
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Comments
Some of these are hilarious, and some of these don't surprise me nearly as much as they probably should.
Some helpful advice - if you're going to write "no uggos," make sure you don't have a well-known area photographer take a picture of you - shirtless no less - and identify you as the author of the post.
... said Kevin Marshall on Jul 3, 2009 at 11:56 AM | link
I was so afraid that one of the photos would be of someone who had posted a Missed Connection about me...but thankfully none of them were. The set was intriguing and absolutely fascinating. I hope we get to see more.
... said Emma on Jul 3, 2009 at 2:14 PM | link
Chilling & powerful. I'm both surprised & relieved that I didn't recognize anyone.
... said Mrs. Misanthrope on Jul 3, 2009 at 3:22 PM | link
I love these. Wonderful. Hope to see more.
... said celinabean on Jul 3, 2009 at 4:02 PM | link
I actually think most of these portraits are strangely beautiful in that way that sadness is sort of beautiful. The human condition in all forms --- in our loneliness, our sexuality, even our hangups -- really is amazing to witness. It's so easy for me to forget that and to become totally jaded and critical of the people I encounter daily - but a collection like this reminds me that we're all sort of in the same boat, with all of us sometimes trying to float upstream against the current.
... said jess on Jul 3, 2009 at 5:42 PM | link
As a photographer always looking for themes and projects, I find this site to be fabulously inspirational.
... said Bob F. on Jul 3, 2009 at 10:02 PM | link
This set was incredible. I've showed it to a few friends and we all agree. The pictures amazingly capture each of these individuals. I actually did recognize one from college- not very exciting though, it was the Express Girl Missed Connections kid
... said Brock R. on Jul 8, 2009 at 12:03 AM | link
Not working so well right now. He's put up an intro -- no big deal -- and a "I'm over 18" check. The latter just cycles in three different browsers and I can't get to the photo collection.
... said Chris on Jul 8, 2009 at 9:35 PM | link