The photographer obsessed with matters of life and death
- Text by Biju Belinky
- Photography by Nick Meyer
Nick Meyer is afraid of dying. But unlike most of us, instead of trying to numb that fear away, only dealing with it when forced to during a 3AM existential crisis, he decided to face it head on. That’s how Either Limits or Contradictions came about – as a study on life and death in photographic form.
Of course, the cycle of existence means something different to everyone. While some might take solace in religion and the knowledge of a higher power, others find comfort in humanity, the side that says that the meaning of life is in the experiences you have and the people around you.
Nick’s approach seems to lean towards the latter – not looking to reach a particular finite conclusion or explanation, but using images of his close friends and family to offer an emotional insight into his experiences of loss and new beginnings.
Maisie (Striped Shirt)
Divided into three chapters, the book is a collection of personal images collected over the years, going from the fast pace of youth, through to a period of observation and attentiveness, until it reaches a mature analysis on what it means to be alive, and in consequence, to die.
As a conclusion to his foreword, Nick says: “I made these pictures as a reminder that things pass. That I will pass and you will pass, a tree will fall and the sun will set, and then it will happen again. It is a memorial of a life being lived. A meditation on pacing and prose and letting things unfold. These pictures are a means of facing our truths and accepting our fate.”
Alexis on a Round Bed
Emily’s Trailer (Be a Friend)
Will with Mud on His Feet
Lightning
Elaine with Leaves in Her Hair
White Dog in a Red Car
Alexis Taking a Picture
Cats
Anna’s New Tattoo (Live or Die)
Either Limits or Contradictions is out now, published by Daylight Books.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Vintage photos of London street life at the turn of the millennium
London 1995-2005 — In her new photobook, Joan Piekny reflects on a decade shooting the styles and subcultures of the UK capital’s streets, just before technology .
Written by: Miss Rosen
Princess Julia: “I always state my age as I can’t believe I’m still around”
First lady — As the latest Artist-In-Residence of Huck 83, the London nightlife legend speaks to Josh Jones and provides a few recommendations and words of wisdom.
Written by: Josh Jones
A luminous portrait of Black life over six decades
Shared Memories — As staff photographer for The New York Times, Chester Higgins captured Black culture and spiritual connection like no other. A new exhibition celebrates his life and impact.
Written by: Miss Rosen
An intimate window into New York’s ’70s lesbian scene
We Others — An exhibition at The Photographer’s Gallery combines Donna Gottschalk’s unearthed photographs of LGBTQ+ activists and friends, along with Hélène Gianneccini’s written histories.
Written by: Miss Rosen
A tender portrait of life and ritual from Mexico City’s streets
Órale — For the last six years of his life, photographer, collector and designer Michel Hurst documented death rituals, street life and religious pageantry in contemporary Mexico. A new monograph showcases his work.
Written by: Roxana Diba
In photos: Washington DC’s Black communities facing up to gentrification
A Language We Share — A new exhibition featuring the work of Beverly Price and Gordon Parks preserves historically Black neighbourhoods in the USA, before development and economic forces made them disappear.
Written by: Miss Rosen
