CICA Museum, M Gallery
September 27 – October 1, 2023
2023.09.27 – 10.01
Minimalism
As a photographer we are taught that for a photograph to have an impact upon the viewer it must tell a story, that a photograph is worth a thousand words. I do not believe that statement to be true. Abstract photography is not about telling a story, it is about a feel, a look. The aesthetic is what is the most important aspect in viewing this style. I am allowing the viewer to decide what the story is, not imposing my views upon them. I want to tare down this stereotype of what a photograph should be and open up this art form, to move it into the another realm. Wanting this art form to be recognized as a legitimate visual art form, not the step child of the art world.
Because we are the first generation of digital photographers we are setting the precedent for all photographers that come after us. Get to expand the definition of the photography’s language. The new technology allows photographic artists to re-define what photography is and what it can be. It’s a new brush that we get to use for the first.
In this exhibition I draw inspiration from the art of minimalism. By using modern technology I have created photographs that are both true to the artist and the definition of minimalism but convey a modernist approach. These photographs bring about a heightened sense of drama, intense images communicated by the use of high contrast black and white with crisp clean lines of the geometric form, but with a certain amount of realism.
Joseph O’Neill was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1965. He has no formal education in art, but did study to become a chef. In the process of becoming a chef, he was forced to develop the habit of trying, tasting, and experiencing things in a different way. He has been an active photographer throughout the last decade, but only began exhibiting in 2012. Because he is self taught, he is never afraid to try different techniques. His photography has been influenced first by the works of Eugene Atget, and later by Man-Ray. His earlier work in photography was an unplanned documenting of things that are taken for granted as he passed them. Since deliberately moving toward photography as fine art, he has been experimenting more with architectural abstracts and nude studies. His work has appeared in numerous group and solo exhibitions around the world, predominately in New York City and Europe. Has been published in art journals, and art magazines, digitally and in print. His work is on display in the U.S. Embassies in Oman and Latvia, and is an active member of one of New York City’s oldest artist collective, The Pleiades Gallery.
