TITLE: 3X4 PASSPORT

Speak about Identity (3x4 Passport)
Examining historical evolution of identity documents (passports or other forms of state accreditations) fluctuate depending on the time period and the needs of communities / nations. In the last 100 years all these documents use photography as a tool of identification of people, following rules dedicated from the authorities related with the form and techniques of image-making. For example: it’s not acceptable to use sunglasses, without shadow existence, according to the instructions of the photographer (your head a little to the left, now to the right, towards the forth below, straighten your back, do not smile, relax your face, etc.).
The feeling of protest is born – who has invented so many rules for this single photo which never corresponds to reality and why? There is only one case in the whole passport photo history when the person on it smiles – it’s Walt Disney. Thus, he was the only man
The creation of 3x4 Passport project are related with the overthrow of all these rules.
The aforementioned restrictions encouraged me to think that people would have different behave if they would have the opportunity to express themselves during their photo shoots.
Each photographed person in 3x4 Passport project answer this question. Acting alone, engaging in a game of visual search, creating a character who expresses: the way that he wanted to present to society.
3x4 Passport – is a art-documentary project, a game with the only rule – take part in creation of your own face.
I ask them – how do you imagine yourself on the photo? I give them all rights to act, express emotions with my help.
This is a mutual process of work, searching, playing with faces.
I challenge them in a game – let’s create together your passport photo.

AUTHOR: GURAM Chachanidze (Greece)

GURAM Chachanidze is a Georgian visual artist working with photography,
filmmaking and installations. He was born in Tbilisi, where he started experimenting
in photography at the age of six. He has been living and working in Athens, Greece
since 2006. Guram studied Film Directing at the university of Tbilisi and Photography
at AKMI institute of Athens. Society and politics are his main sources of inspiration.
He explores the essence of an issue as a matter of philosophy. GURAM has presented
his work in four personal shows and participated in many worldwide group
exhibitions.