Dawning Presbyopia – Pictorialist Photography

Presbyopia comes from the Greek word presbys (πρέσβυς), meaning “old man” or “elder.” It is a vision condition that makes reading and close work more difficult. It is not a disease, but a natural aging process of the eye. This process begins at birth, although its effects typically become noticeable between the ages of 40 and 45.

With Dawning Presbyopia, Alexandre Morelli gives visual form to the gradual wear of his gaze.






Diagnosed as “presbyopic” (like many men his age), he presents in this series photographs taken during his recent travels. At first glance, their appearance might recall painting; yet everything here is purely photographic. It is at the moment of capture that the images become blurred, as although the camera frames reality, the movement performed at the moment of release and the chosen exposure time work to transform it. Lines become veiled and details melt into an impressionistic rendering.