The release of Tracy L Chandler’s debut photobook, A Poor Sort of Memory, is published by Deadbeat Club. The book is an evocative collection of images that delves into Chandler’s personal history, capturing the haunting landscapes of her Californian desert hometown—a place laden with childhood memories and trauma. The book can be pre-ordered from the Deadbeat Club website.
Tracy L Chandler, a photographic artist based in Los Angeles, is known for her poignant exploration of humanity and personal narrative through her work. Her photography often navigates themes of memory, time, and identity, presenting a deeply introspective view of her subjects. Chandler earned her MFA from the Hartford Art School in 2021 and has since exhibited widely, including a solo exhibition at Gallery 169 in Santa Monica and a screening at the Arles Rencontres photography festival in France. Her work has been recognized by numerous prestigious organizations and featured in several acclaimed publications.
A Poor Sort of Memory is Chandler’s first monograph, featuring serene yet eerie and minimalist landscapes. These images are more than mere representations of the Californian desert; they are infused with Chandler’s memories and emotions from her youth. She revisited locations she sought refuge in during her tumultuous childhood, places that offered solace amidst family chaos. The photographs convey a palpable sense of claustrophobia and alienation, echoing the ghosts of her past. Chandler’s reflection on her work highlights this blend of reality and memory:
“As I revisited old hideouts in concrete washes and private bunks in rock formations, I was reminded of a past laden with trauma and my desperation to find both a sense of belonging and an independent self,” – Tracy L Chandler
Her journey through these landscapes is not just physical but deeply psychological, confronting the subjective truths of her memories with the objective reality of the present. Rather than presenting a definitive narrative, Chandler embraces the ambiguity of memory, playing the role of an unreliable narrator. She crafts a new photographic fiction from the remnants of her history, capturing the elusive nature of truth and memory.
Publication and Launch
Published by Deadbeat Club, A Poor Sort of Memory is a beautifully crafted volume, featuring a debossed hardcover and full-color offset printing over 108 pages. It measures 9.5” x 11.5” and is available in a special edition.
Photographer: Tracy L Chandler
Publisher: Deadbeat Club
Format: 108 pages, Debossed Hardcover, Full Color Offset, 9.5” x 11.5”
Special Edition Available
Deadbeat Club
Founded in 2011 by Clint Woodside, Deadbeat Club is an independent publisher based in Los Angeles, known for its dedication to contemporary photography. Deadbeat Club prides itself on maintaining the original vision of the artists they collaborate with, producing limited-edition publications that resonate with authenticity and artistic integrity.
In addition to their publishing endeavours, Deadbeat Club has ventured into coffee roasting, emphasizing community building through both their publications and coffee. They prioritize quality and traceability in their coffee sourcing, ensuring a positive impact on local farm communities.
A Poor Sort of Memory offers a compelling glimpse into Tracy L Chandler’s world, blending the stark beauty of desert landscapes with the complex tapestry of her memories and emotions. As this photobook launches, it promises to leave a lasting impression on all who engage with its evocative imagery and narrative depth.
