photography

Although he garnered the attention of the art world a while ago, David Hilliard only recently appeared on my radar as a photographer worth following.  When looking at his work, you can clearly see his mastery of photo-prose and his use of panoramic diptychs, triptychs and the like allows him to almost escape the static perspective of photography.  

His work frequently draws on the concept of masculinity and the relationship of the photographer to his subjects, sometimes intimate and at other times superficial.  His recent body of work will be on display at the Mark Moore Gallery in Santa Monica, CA beginning Jan. 10th and in the upcoming issue of Eyemazing.  

If you’ve followed the history of the In the Spotlight series, you’ve probably noticed that a lot of the featured talent is male.  This is partly due to an editorial decision to highlight gay artists, but also in part because most of the photographers that focus the lens on men are… well, other men.  This time around you’re in for something a little different — a female’s perspective on the intriguing and beautiful creature that is man.  Join me for a chat with Janine Gordon, a Brooklyn-based photographer (among other things), who very well might be more obsessed with boys than the rest of us.

Thanks, Janine, for sharing your time and photos with us.   How did your passion for photography get off the ground?

I was into photography since I was a kid, at thirteen I had a darkroom. The first year I took photography in junior high school, I won two  local photography prizes.  It was funny for me, but most of the time I spent painting ,drawing and sculpture and then went to Cooper Union. I began shooting mosh pits when I was in Cooper Union, but very briefly, along with other racy things. Still painting as a major and exhibiting, thereafter, I began shooting gangs from Brooklyn and deduced that my love of men was inspiring and fit into my subculture dialogue.

I was initially drawn to your portfolio because of the violence and testosterone-driven energy of the mosh pit photos.  What is it about male violence that attracts you as a photographer?

I am around boys a lot, and generally I like boy things… I would find myself in mosh pits in a mini skirt and combat boots, so the chaos that occurs in a pit is second nature.  I also boxed for 3 years at Gleasons, and I rap. I wouldn’t say that I focus on violence.. the overall intention of my work is not to portray acts of violence , rather forms of joy and identity, inner rage and ecstasy.  If the so called violent act, i.e. boxing, dancing, gives an innate pleasure to the majority — not some serial snuff film or photographing the Twin Towers on fire — then I am more apt to be drawn toward it. Im not into fake things.. I don’t like to set up shots.. its so tacky! So many photographers steal from me, and its way obvious because they set up their shots.  One thing you can’t copy is passion.

Tell us more about the series on boxers and wrestlers.  How did that come about?

As I mentioned before I boxed for a few years, but not professionally, although the trainers wanted me to.  I am always in gyms and I met a bunch of wrestlers, who were totally hot and were totally into stunting for me.  Years ago, after I gave this disc to the editor of Honcho who wanted to feature me, and months after that, one of my collectors brought me into 303 Gallery to show me that  Collier Schorr completely switched up her soft, sweet, cool style in pastel colors and I saw my colors, my lighting, my boldness, my compositions and my content in her show!  Granted Schorr was great friends with the former editor of Honcho, and his reputation precedes him. The funny thing is, it almost turned into a girl fight, when I approached her at an art fair after an introduction from some of my super cool gay friends.  I told her that I didn’t appreciate her ripping off my work, and she totally denied ever hearing my name. We were mentioned several times together, side by side in several reviews, as well as my exhibit at the Whitney Biennial.. My friends bit her face off when she denied knowing me and said I must be a “nobody”. This goes to show you that people are desperate and will do anything to make a buck. Its just shocking that people in the art world would do this. I guess she went to SVA and bought her art career “edumacation” and I got into Cooper Union for free…I guess I would love to just box her in a rink.. would you photograph me if so? (laughs)

Wrestling is somewhat unique as a contact sport because it’s infused with so much potential homoeroticism.  How do you play with that potential in your work?

Well, I think its more erotic for a straight woman… but most women don’t see it that way.. only gay men.. its so weird.. I guess I’m just a gay man inside. 

Most of the photographers that we’ve featured in the past are male.  How do you think a female perspective influences your approach and the finished product with a male-dominated portfolio?

Very few women photograph men; I don’t know why this is but it’s a very obvious subject for me. I fetishize men for certain .. but also I have a painterly approach to photographing the male. Unlike photographers that out and out copy Master Paintings — a new trend — I am inspired by Caravaggio, or Rembrandts handling of light, form and gesture, I would never re-do this. I could easily have been a man creating this type of work.

Who and what do you consider as important artistic influences for your work?

I’m really weird.  I love Gerhardt Richter, Thomas Ruff, and Vic Muniz, but also I love Sebastian Salgado , Koudelka, Meatyard and Warhol… I can go on for days… now I’m really good friends with Slava Mogutin and I have always been a huge fan of his work. He is very edgy and is willing to take risks.  But I try to stay away from influences.. the world is big enough with enough messages that we can all be individuals.

Most of the work on your website is a few years old.  What sort of themes are you working with currently?

I’m going to update it in the next few days.. I just had two shows, one with color mosh pits and the other about the last cowboys in America. I have a newer project but I can’t speak about it yet.

Aside from photography, it would appear that you also keep yourself busy with a few other artistic endeavors.  Tell us more…

I’m a rapper as well; my rap name is Jah Jah, I have 2 albums on iTunes, and a new one soon to be released. You can find me on MySpace and Youtube. My production is very Euro, created in Berlin with a huge electronic dance music producer. I make my own videos as well, from editing to shooting. I’m looking for some photographers who want to shoot me now.  Anyone want to trade for a photo of mine? (laughs) Thanks!

Thanks to you too Janine!  

(artist pictured below… isn’t she fabulous?)  

For previous features in this series, just search In the Spotlight at the top of the page.   

It almost slipped my mind, but the snowy weather reminded me of last Thursday, when I braved the nasty weather to hit up a few of the gallery openings.  Of the several that I visited, the joint show at the Michael Mazzeo gallery was by far the most cohesive and my personal favorite of the evening.  While waiting to talk to curator Jorg Colberg, an elderly gentleman  standing next to me remarked how young the audience was — indeed, the crowd was largely composed of art scenesters in their 20’s and 30’s.  He then asked me if I was a friend of the photographer, and I pointed out to him that the show was, in fact, a compilation of work from twelve photographers, which made me step back and take in just how well-curated the show was.  The images in the show are meant to counter the notion of sexually idealized bodies, revealing beauty in many forms.   Enjoy!

Artist Alan Warburton has taken an ingenious approach to depicting some rather complex issues using various fruits that have been peeled, cored and cut to model themes ranging from traffic congestion to international politics.  

This week In the Spotlight catches up with local Bronx boy, Kevin Amato, for a lesson on keeping it real on the streets of NYC.   His work is testament to the saying that a photographer is best equipped for capturing the spirit of the people and places he knows best.  Join me for a look.  

Thanks for taking time out from your work to give us a little insight into you and your work.  You’re a NYC boy from the Bronx, right? How does that influence your photography?

No worries.. thank you! Yeah New York bred, I’ve been in the Bronx for like eight… nine years now.  My environment always influences me no matter where I’m at.  But the Bronx has this raw, untouched thing about it.  It’s rich in history and the people are mad honest.. a lot of character.

How about the subjects in the photographs… do a lot of them come from the Bronx as well?

A bunch do; I usually cast my friends, or on the street, or through my site.  My friends cast for me as well. I think casting and access is as important, if not more, than any technical photo shit.

What initially got you interested in photography? Was there a defining moment or did you just sort of fall into it?

My older brother lifted my first cam from some girls house party and gave it to me for my birthday.  It’s a Pentax K1000 I still use it.  I’ve been snapping pics since I was a kid. I used to travel with my pops a lot on business trips.  He schooled me in street smarts and gave me mad freedom.  He’s always trusted my instincts.  My mom’s a city girl with a bit of a free spirit, a thinker and a nurturer. I think it’s the combination of all those things.  I went to school of visual arts here in NYC where I met my mentor and dear friend Sarah Friedman. We hit it off from the jump.  I shot a series of xeroxed polaroids called Thug Nut — faceless nudes paired with portraits of their ejaculatories. She recognized one of the dudes by his tatts.       

From your client list, it looks like you’ve been pretty successful.  How long have you been doing photography professionally?

I’m trying… really just getting started, I’ve been shooting “professionally” for about five years.  I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing clients and editors… blessed lovely…

With all the people you meet, who has been the most interesting/fun to work with?

Oh, god. Everybody’s interestin’ and fun in their own way.. and every shoot has a story. It’s hard to say… I think my current project “Stay Lovely” and the “Love will tear us apart” series are up there, though.  It’s the shoots I learn shit from that stand out. 

Aside from the studio shots, a lot of the images on your website have a very relaxed or almost candid vibe.  Is that the reality or just the way you style your photography?

I’m pretty laid back when I shoot.. no big equip or assistants unless I need to look big time. Most of it isn’t planned; I just wing it.  I always have a small camera on me, so it is what it is. Whether a private moment or an editorial shoot, I try to approach it all the same. People around me sort of get used to it.

Do you look for a specific demographic or “look” when choosing your models?

At first it’s just someone’s look, style or swagger… but, confidence and personality is big.  Sometimes I meet someone and don’t feel it.  But a month later I’ll see them again and think ‘why didn’t I shoot them before… so it depends where I’m at mentally.  It’s essentially about making honest, intimate images. 

With the photographs of your male subjects, what sort of masculinity are you trying to project?

Aware but with a sense of emotion and vulnerability… not fragile.  Strong but sensitive.  I think men’s portraiture and fashion photography hold just as much relevance now as women’s has since the 70’s.  Men are more aware and progressive than the industries that chase them.

Do you have personal projects outside the work you do for companies and magazines?

I’ve been working on a lifestyle/portrait project called “Stay Lovely”.  I hope to exhibit soon and a lifestyle book for Nike.   

Thanks Kevin and best of luck!  

For previous In the Spotlight features, click the links. 

Meg Wachter  |  Markus Bollingmo  |  Mikel Marton  |  Ryan Pfluger  |  Jeffrey Kilmer  |  Luigi y Luca

Madonna opens her coffers for yet another infusion of cash, thanks to the generosity of Marc Jacobs and company (aka Louis Vuitton). The new advertising campaign features the original material girl shot by fashion photographer Steven Meisel in one of the more anticipated campaigns of the season.

Photographer Joshua Helms seeks to dispel the taboos and cultural significance surrounding the male sexual organ through his colorful and playful exploration of the subject.  By playing with light, textures and a variety of colorful decorative elements (including sequins, paint and various food products), the work creates a dichotomy between the connotations of the underlying subject matter and the visual statement of each photograph.  In some ways the photos remind me of the gritty portrayal of sexuality that is popular with Marilyn Minter’s work.  More NSFW photos after the jump.   More… »

Former rock critic for Rolling Stone magazine and current photo editor for The New Yorker, Vince Aletti, has been working for the past few years to put together a hard copy collection of photographs from his collection entitled Male. The release is timed nicely to land ten years after his highly praised survey exhibition by the same name that ran at the Wessel + O’Connor Gallery here in NYC. This Wednesday, Dec. 3rd, there is a book signing at Dashwood Books from 6-8pm.

Master of the well-disguised self-portrait, Cindy Sherman’s foray into the world of digital photography recently went on display at Metro Pictures gallery in Chelsea. Beginning in the late 70s, Sherman started exploring social role-playing and sexual stereotypes through elaborate caricatures that have continued to be her most defining artistic theme. During the 80s she explored mutilation and grotesque creations with prosthetics before returning to address sexual roles in the 90s. Up until her recent show she was among the camp of photographers clinging to the fading world of film, but this recent show was based on her new body of work as a convert to the digital universe. The manipulations of the photos are intentionally flawed in small ways that only adds strength to the parodies that she creates with each caricature.

This week in our In the Spotlight series we take a look at Brooklyn photographer Meg Wachter’s portfolio, which is full of entertaining and beautiful images that prominently feature her borough.  Join me for a conversation with the artist.  

Hi Meg, how are things going out in Brooklyn?
Things are surprisingly well. For once, I feel secure as a freelancer despite our economic troubles.

A friend pointed me in the direction of your work a while back and I was thoroughly entertained by looking through the “Dumped” series.  How did that come about?  Did you recruit friends or strangers?
“Dumped” came about from the depths of my random brain. I recruited my awesome friends and roommates to participate in the project with promise of food and booze. It was a fun (and extremely messy) shoot, but everyone is super excited with the outcome.

   

What sort of training did you have as a means to get into photography?
I’ve been messing around with photography since I was a teen, but had formal training at Ohio University’s School of Visual Communications. There I received a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Photography. From there I headed to New York, more or less. I’ve always been a self-starter and cannot say enough about the importance of self-promotion and networking. And, it helps a little, to have some talent.

What inspires you when you get behind the camera?
The act of creating or capturing something–whether it be planned or serendipitous–and to share how I view the world, or create it otherwise is what inspires me. 

I think my favorite series from your portfolio is “Beautiful Decay”.  How do you find locations for shots like that?
I had access to an abandoned Catholic school deep in Brooklyn and went there on 2 separate occasions with 9 months in between each visit–I found out about it through a friend. The state of decay was appalling and mesmerizing. 

Does your photography have a special relationship with Brooklyn aside from the fact that you live there?
You know I never really considered that until you mention it, but yes. Moving to Brooklyn definitely jump-started my motivation to shoot after a dry spell of inspiration. 80% of my current projects have been shot or conceived here.  It is an amazing culturally diverse and proactive artistic community.

What’s on the horizon for Ms. Wachter? 
I just completed and am finalizing a book of my series, Dumped! Stay tuned…