But I Remain as Much a Stranger Today, as I Was The First Day I Arrived (2018) is a project that documents the mysterious Autonomous Region of Sardinia. Inspired by the James Baldwin essay “Stranger in the Village”, The series, shot on both digital and medium formats, found its inception in the artist's desire to immerse himself within the community, living among the people and ingratiating myself into their lifestyle and traditions.
During Cochran's time in Sardinia, he spent most of his time in Orgosolo, a town of 4200 nestled in the mountains of the island. He also explored neighboring communities and connected with various members of the community, including shepherds, the youth, and the devout. This, however, was during a politically charged moment that saw Matteo Salvini and his Lega Nord party gain significant influence, resulting in a fearful and uncertain Italy dealing with issues of abandonment by leaders, cultural preservation, and rapid change.
As an African American, Cochran also confronted his own challenges, facing inevitable questions about my origin, traditions, and creed from those with little experience interacting with people of color, especially during a time when people who looked like him were dying in the Mediterranean sea in search of stability.
The resulting photographic series is a reflection of the multifaceted nature of Sardinia and its inhabitants. It offers glimpses into the lives of Sardinians while also bringing the viewer face-to-face with universal themes of the ephemerality of life, love, disconnection, alienation, loss, and mourning. The editing and curation of the images was a process undergone through intense reflection, with the project first being shot and its context crafted from the philosophic study of the images themselves, how they relate to one another, and the wider world they were created within.
Ultimately, this photographic series captures Sardinia’s contemporary essence while highlighting the importance of human connection and understanding, especially in the face of adversity and change.