Kerry Skarbakka makes images that allow him to “let himself go.” In his series The Struggle to Right Oneself, he harnesses himself to ropes and pulleys that prevent him from actually hitting the ground, then photographs himself as he hurls his body off of buildings and cliffs. To make the images appear to be accidents in progress, he then digitally erases the safety devices.
About his work, he notes “Heidegger described human existence as a process of perpetual falling, and it is the responsibility of each individual to “catch ourselves” from our own uncertainty… The images stand as reminders that we are all vulnerable to losing our footing and grasp.”
He is currently showing his inventive work at the North Carolina Museum of Art in an exhibition called The Big Picture. You’ll find more information about Kerry and can view his images on his Website.