KJ Herb

Artist Statement

Since being diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in 2022, my photographic work has pivoted to investigating my own intrusive thoughts. What often feels like an omnipresent being who whispers fortune-telling truths in my ear is, in actuality, only a brain filtration issue. My brain lacks the ability to differentiate necessary and unnecessary fearful thoughts so I am left with an abundance of alternate endings to sift through every day. 

The secondary voice in my head I’ve dubbed “the Second Narrator.” She is loud, aggressive, and afraid. Through my photographic practice I sit in conversation with her about the narratives she creates. I then replicate these intrusive thoughts with set design, costumes, and models. My work sits at the intersection of fiction and reality while continuing to allow fluidity between the two. 

All I ask is that the viewer trusts me and not the Second Narrator, no matter how convincing she may be.

Bio

K.J. Herb is a directorial photographer born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She spent 15 years performing and competing at dance competitions exploring emotional interactions on the stage for all to see. However, when she picked up her first camera in 2018, she fell in love with the stillness of the medium and has been pursuing it ever since. 

With her extensive history in the performing arts, Herb takes a strong interest in storytelling and human interaction within her photography. In her first full length body of work, “Prologue,” she explores what it means to grow up and the importance of interpersonal relationships while coming of age. In her current body of work, "The Second Narrator", she attempts to objectify her intrusive thoughts by recreating and staging them for images.  

Herb received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Arizona State University and has exhibited throughout the Southwest. She has received awards and recognition from the International Photography Awards, Photolucida's Critical Mass, Arizona State University, Art One Gallery, and Art Intersection. Herb will be a featured artist in Oskar Films's upcoming documentary "FRAMES" highlighting the rebirth of film photography amongst Gen Z. 

Based out of Phoenix, Arizona.

Instagram: @k.j.herb 

Website: kjherb.com