From our earliest days, we are influenced by an invisible force that shapes our aspects and perspectives on life. As we navigate through our journeys, social conditioning plays a significant role in molding our views. But what happens if we start to question these influences? As a photographer inspired by contemporary society, I believe art becomes truly meaningful when it not only documents reality but also challenges it.

What is Social Conditioning?

Social conditioning is a process that trains individuals to act and think in a certain way. It develops through education, media, and culture. It starts from our early days and continue throughout our lives. Social conditioning can become so ingrained in our thinking that it feels like a natural part of who we are, even though it might be based on falsehoods. It influences our perception of right and wrong, success and failure. Simply put, social conditioning is like the advertisement that tells us what product we need to be happy. It’s a way to reinforce existing power structures and limit individual freedom.

A Powerful Counter-Narrative

My photography work is often inspired by contemporary society, typically with a critical eye. In a landscape where media and advertising reinforce social conditioning, I believe photography becomes art when it captures the absurdities of this world and is free from constraints like approval and validation.

I observe a current market of artists who seem pressured to conform to trends, producing average work to gain financial success or the praise of the “like-economy.” The rise of social media hasn’t helped this situation; in fact, these platforms favor “Instagram-friendly” styles, creating a mediocre loop where creators chase the potential rewards of following trends rather than developing something original, different, and refreshing. I believe authentic art must explore, challenge, and raise questions and debates.

The Real Beauty

Financial success and recognition place pressure on artists. This dynamic shapes not only the artist’s work but also the roles of art professionals like gallery owners and curators, who elevate some artists while confining others. The result is art that resembles advertisements for luxury handbags or cars. True art should never be trivial; it must be unique, exclusive, and innovative.

Through the creative process that defined my photography style and vision, I chose not to conform, forging my identity instead. There is profound beauty in creating art and consequently living a life that is genuinely free. It’s a lifestyle free from external approval and driven by a strong sense of purpose and authenticity. As both a photographer and gallery curator, I’ve come to realize that true art is rare when it resists being boxed into trends and has the power to inspire others.

Understanding Social Conditioning

Understanding social conditioning is the first step to reclaiming autonomy and for an artist to become authentic. As you engage with my photographic work, I invite you to reflect on your personal experiences and on how social expectations shaped your choices. The journey towards authenticity is a way to stop social conditioning from telling us who we should be and to discover who we really are. Personally, this path has allowed me to embrace a fuller life and a richer and more rewarding experience when it comes to photography.

Join the Conversation

Explore this journey with me. Through my photography concepts and the considerations behind them, I aim to make the invisible exposed. If you have ever felt the weight of social conditioning, I hope this article can help you recognize its influence and inspire you to see the world from a different perspective. If you value authenticity and critical thinking, let’s continue this conversation. Join a community of like-minded individuals for daily inspiration and insights on how to create art that is true and truly felt.

With Unfiltered Vision,

Sal