After discovering that she had Parkinson’s disease, Torrance York focused her camera on the challenge to integrate this life-altering information into her sense of self.
In Semaphore York’s photographs speak metaphorically about her shift in perspective post-diagnosis. York’s quiet, generous and luminous images bare human vulnerability, while inspiring optimism and connection. Over 10 million people worldwide live with Parkinson’s disease. While this project is relevant to the Parkinson’s community, it connects with others whose journeys require growth, patience, and perseverance to move forward.
Semaphore examines the shift in my perspective after having been diagnosed seven years ago with Parkinson’s disease. Through images, I consider what it means to integrate this life-altering information into my sense of self. What does acceptance look like?
Post diagnosis, everyday items and experiences take on new meaning. New tasks top my “to do” list each day. Simple tools now present a challenge. Uncertainty pervades the periphery surfacing my vulnerability. As I look around me, the branches of trees become networks of neurons or resemble tendons in my wrist imaged by an MRI. Acknowledging these signals facilitates the process of adaptation. Optimism holds the key for me right now. Light, always an inspiration, illuminates a path for me to follow. And I go. Parkinson’s disease is the world’s fastest growing brain disorder. Currently, over ten million people live with Parkinson’s worldwide. While this project is relevant to the Parkinson’s community, it also connects with others whose journeys require growth, patience, and perseverance to move forward.
About Torrance York
This Fall Torrance York published her monograph, Semaphore, with Kehrer Verlag and exhibited her Semaphore project in a solo show at Rick Wester Fine Art, NYC. She earned a BA from Yale and an MFA in photography from RISD.
York’s recent awards include: selection for Atlanta Photography Group’s Portfolio 2022 exhibit; Lenscratch 2021 Art & Science Awards, Honorable Mention; Critical Mass 2021 finalist; and semifinalist and Olcott award winner from The Print Center 95th ANNUAL International competition (2020).
Her work is in private and public collections, including AllianceBernstein, New York, NY; Fine Art Collection at Montefiore Einstein, New York, NY; John & Sue Wieland Collection at the Warehouse, Atlanta, GA; and Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI. York has exhibited work from Semaphore nationally and internationally. She was a resident artist at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, CO, and received a Connecticut Artist Fellowship grant in 2010. [Official Website]
