| JOSHUA BARASH "Passion of Art" |
| Something About Joshua Barash I wanted to try something different from than the generally urban theme of architectural details, landscapes, and structures that I had always gravitated to in my fine art work? I have particularly enjoyed shooting what seems to be something mundane, perhaps neglected or forgotten and capturing it in such a way as to make it appear striking. For instance, a detail of a building indistinct as a part of the whole becomes, on its own, a captivating abstract of lines and curves. And, what could be more different for me than the subject of nudes? I knew there was an abundance of nude and erotic work that saturated the market. I didn't want to be trite; I needed to know that I could bring something distinct and inimitable to my attempt. I realized that if I could somehow combine my images and sensibilities I spoke of earlier, with the models, use their bodies as canvases, I might be able to create a whole new approach to the concept of the female form in photography. At least it would have to be original since it would be my work I was merging with that of the model’s bodies. The only other criterion was I had to shoot it as I saw it, to be photographic and not computer graphic. I wanted to be true to my roots of shooting with film and not images I produced within a computer. So, that's exactly what I have done; I literally project my black and white images with old style Kodak slide projectors directly onto the models' bodies. I then re- shoot the two together, using 35mm digital SLR cameras, and print them on color photographic paper. What you see is what I saw when I took the picture, with a little cleaning up in the computer. As the process through experimentation progresses, it's become evident that the relationship between the man made form and the nude body is remarkably cohesive. My main goal was to play with the lines and the curves of the photo I was projecting with those of the body so that the body would be transformed: a woman now draped in erotic sheer clothing, an ancient stone statue covered in vines, or an abstract work of complimentary lines and curves. What I realized is that shooting nudes has not been the leap that I had expected, but a remarkably natural and seamless progression – a merger of my previous body of work with the bodies of the models I now shoot. A stunning fusion of man’s designed forms and the organic and sensual form of the female body. Born In New York City, Josh has spent equal amounts of time living in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, where he currently resides. A professional photographer for over 20 years, Josh began his career as a photojournalist, published in newspapers for Gannett, The L.A. Times, The Washington Post, The NY Post and numerous other magazines and papers. One of his photos was most recently published in a book on Qantas Airlines. He was a staff photographer for Music Connection magazine and shot over 150 bands while there. Now primarily a successful commercial photographer, his client base continues to grow. He works continuously for companies and organizations such as MTV, Qantas Airlines, Nickelodeon TV, The Government of Australia, and so many others over the years he can’t remember them all. He is currently a staff photographer for the City of West Hollywood and continuous to be published in numerous newspapers and magazines. Josh’s fine art work has been shown in cities in both Canada and the U.S. including L.A., New York and Toronto. |
| CONTACT:passionofart@adacartianu.com |