Don't cry

“Don’t Cry” is a collection of hand-manipulated Polaroids and anonymously contributed stories about crying. Eliana Cetto utilizes analog portraiture and hand-written notes to encourage vulnerable conversations around emotions and society. Cetto invites participants to have their portraits taken, and as the image develops, she presses and scratches into the photograph’s surface to create handmade “tears.” As each Polaroid rapidly becomes permanent, Cetto simulates the act of crying, investigating the vulnerability of public space. As the photos are manipulated, participants are asked to collaborate by writing anonymous notes about crying on paper. Each story cannot be paired with a corresponding portrait, encouraging communal investigations of catharsis, social stigma, and tears of joy.

Scratched Polaroid Spectra Film
4"x4"
2018