Gordon Patterson

Portland, Oregon

I began interviewing my brother in 2021 after he was diagnosed with Bipolar Schizoaffective Disorder at the age of 18. This new dynamic accelerated an evolution already occurring between us. ‘When I become the floor beneath me’, is an ongoing project exploring generational divide, physical separation and neurodivergence between brothers. I wanted to challenge my initial perceptions of his diagnosis and form an honest perspective of our everchanging relationship.

It is easy to assume we know those we are closest to. Through this work I was reminded how multidimensional he is and of the intersections we share in life like music or our sentimentality. But I also observed his individuality outside our brotherhood in his humor and intelligence. Our relationship is contextualized by shared experiences of home, unshared experiences of adulthood and a deep bond of love through the coming of age.

These photographs are rooted in black and white, a language I use to represent the spectrum between emotional extremes. This language combined with multiple exposure lengths works to highlight the layers I see within him. I hope to provoke the viewer to consider the mechanisms of familiar perception and how much of ourselves we imbue onto others.

Limited first edition print 1 of 5. All print proceeds will be donated to Multnomah County EASA Center for Excellence.