July 13, 2013 through August 06, 2013
Michael Kirchoff - “Fractured View”
Please join us on Saturday evening July 13, 2013 6-9pm for the artists’ reception of our Summer Showcase,
and help us welcome the artists who are opening with three separate new bodies of work.
Bill Vaccaro – “The Things She Left Behind” • Erin Malone “The Park” • Michael Kirchoff “Fractured View”
Fractured View
_The images contained within ‘Fractured View’ are a compilation of works from frequent travels that have my signature style of using physically manipulated Polaroid positive/negative materials coupled with a very personal vision of our world. This film had ceased production in 2007, however I do still continue to use it, most notably for my work on ‘An Enduring Grace’, an exploration of the cultural landscape of Russia. Like the Polaroid film, my 60‘s era Graflex XL camera is also no longer made, so the process of using the two together will ultimately come to a foreseeable end in the near future. Until that time, I will continue to travel and photograph with them as much as possible to grow this ‘Fractured View’ into an ever larger and comprehensive body of work.
Much of my work deals with architecture and landscape, but definitely not in its truest form. I create images that I wish to be timeless in their interpretation. The idea of obscuring much of the image through shadow and process brings an air of mystery that I believe drives the viewer to investigate further on their own. Giving people all of the details and information makes them feel as though they have seen all that there is to see on the subject. I want to compel them to see for themselves, draw their own conclusions, and perhaps only then make their own judgements about time, structure, and place._
While out making photographs I spend a great deal of time trying to see things in a less than literal way. I use this time to take all the variables and elements into consideration. In capturing an image, I firmly believe this to be essential and a key part of my process. I tend to work on several bodies of work at the same time. The techniques and tools with each project or series often change, but the perspective, drama, and passion of the image remain consistent. My work can be recognized by a timeless and ethereal quality where the imperfections of the subject, camera, or technique are often highlighted as an integral part of the image. I often use wide-angle lenses and low, off kilter angles to present my subjects with depth and dimension. Dramatic skies and dark, textural tones are a trademark in my landscape and architectural work, but can frequently be seen in my street portraits of the unsuspecting in much the same way. I use all types of cameras in my work, though most often, older film cameras and Polaroid materials, which can give surprising results at times…much the better that way, as far as I’m concerned. The chaos and constant state of flux in the world I use to my advantage and would not be able to create what I do without it. ~ Michael Kirchoff
“The mood, angles and atmosphere Kirchoff surrenders to echoes the sort of creative simplicity that makes me fall in love with photography all over again.” ~ Blue Mitchell, Founding Editor, Diffusion Magazine
Return to Exhibits