Artist Statement

18 Rue Dugommier: Reginka Cukierman Struzevska
A documentary photography series by Ari Salomon

These are images of my Great Aunt and her apartment in Paris. Regine was born in Poland, Dec 25, 1910. She has lived in Paris since 1936—and in this apartment for more than 30 years. She is now widowed and without children or other family nearby. The images that make up this document reveal the passage of time on many scales. The everyday as it comes and goes and also as it builds on itself over many years.

They hint at both what is missing in her life and what fills it through layered compulsions of classification and arrangement. The natural accumulations that come from living in one's home and living in one's body. A spatial history of tchotchkes and living essentials.

It is important to note that these photos are not "set up", these are found scenes. Note also that some images document the same scenes over a number of months and years.