Film Noir
Film Noir revisits the existential themes of classic black-and-white films from the 1940s and ’50s, using lush, saturated colour to deepen their resonance. The solitary, ghostly figures evoke a world of mystery and uncertainty, reflecting the heightened sense of ambiguity in contemporary life.
Each image captures a moment just before or after a crucial decision—when the lone protagonist faces a difficult, dangerous choice. The weight of this decision is palpable, with uncertain consequences. These works hold a personal resonance for Armstrong, tied to a tragedy he experienced as a teenager—a time when his worldview darkened, and he began to see truth and meaning as elusive, possibly unattainable. It was during this period that his interest in Film Noir, hard-boiled detective fiction, and the writings of Camus, Sartre, and the existentialists became a guiding influence.
