Cross Road Blues by Oli Kellett

Issue 175

Oli’s major body of work, Cross Road Blues, commenced in 2016, borrows its title from the legendary song by Delta Blues musician Robert Johnson. According to legend, Robert Johnson met the devil at a crossroads outside of Memphis and sold his soul in exchange for his musical talents. He was forever plagued despite his success. The mythology surrounding Johnson’s song can be interpreted as a cautionary tale of the price paid for the American Dream, and Kellett’s allusion to it leaves the viewer wondering if the figures in his photographs chose their souls or their dreams at their crossroads. 

 Crossroads are a democratic place. We all have to wait. On average, we will spend five years ‘waiting’ during our lifetime. Being held at a ‘DON’T WALK’ sign allows us a few seconds, and occasionally minutes, to ask ourselves ‘Where do we come from?’ and ‘Where are we going?’

Oli Kellett (he/him) lives and works in Hastings, United Kingdom.
www.olikellett.com | @oli_kellett