The One Who Got Away - Portrait Series

The One Who
Got Away
PORTRAIT SERIES

What would you say to the one who got away? This short question taps into something all of us share: each of us has someone or something that got away from us.

In this series by Oliver Blank, the subjects in each portrait are connected through the profound loss of a loved one in their life. The images invite an intimate meditation on grief and a moment of shared catharsis.

Accompanying each image is a phone number. Viewers are encouraged to call each number to listen to a recorded message for the one who got away and delve deeper into each subject’s personal story. These recordings reveal the spectrum and commonality of human emotion. The resentment of rejected lovers. Sweet streams of consciousness remembering an old friend. Playful anecdotes capturing a moment lost in time and preserved in memory.

This portrait series is based on Oliver’s long-running project and podcast, The One Who Got Away. Since 2014, callers from around the world have dialed 718-395-7556* to leave their own messages for lost loves, forgotten friendships, and missed connections.

Ada - “You will always be my baby. I would do anything I could, anything in my power, just to be able to hold you.” To hear Ada’s full message, call (929) 800-8350.

Kilo - “It took you both leaving this planet physically for me to blossom and flourish into the woman I am today.” To hear Kilo’s full message, call (929) 800-8354.

Boone - “We had so much to do. So many plans… I wish I could have five more minutes with you.” To hear Boone’s full message, call (929) 800-8358.

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