This collection of photographs consists of a visual investigation into the intimate exchange between the human form and the natural landscape. Looking to identify the points in which both forms meet and co-exist as well as the manner in which they inevitably alter and destroy one another. Juxtaposing magnified detailed studies of the human body in its natural state with photographs of the Rio Tinto river in Spain, known for its deep red hues caused by the acid mine drainage from the various mines in the region. The quarries exposing the deep layers of earth’s flesh, the tools and steel cables used to create and maintain these lacerations. The limestone opaque forests generated from the dirt and dust blowing into the nearby woods. I use the viewfinder to build compositions and sketches of these moments of interception, further questioning our interconnectivity as forms.
The duotone images strip away any distractions and allow the focus to remain on the genuine form and structure. Initially, I use photography as a medium to make observations through a 4:5 ratio. Later in the studio, I experiment with scale and sequencing in either the format of an installation or book to further convey the overall idea(s). Bringing in additional layers and working with yarn to stitch into the inkjet prints, manifesting my own form. I am guided by the topographical compositions gathered of the Rio Tinto River from Google Earth. Having spent a large portion of my upbringing and current life in very isolated natural environments, nature as a form, presence, and phenomena of the physical world will collectively continue to contribute to my work and practice.
Seasons Series draws inspiration from Kim Ki-Duk’s seminal film Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring in which different actors, for each season, play the same character who is abandoned on a lake next to a floating monastery. The film specifically focuses on the shifting nature of the seasons and its effects on the protagonist’s fosterage. The books take their lead from the film in that simple and profound ideas, human passions and spirituality can be perceived differently depending on the season.
Seasons Series is a quarterly book series, in which a group of artists are brought together under one vision with a focus on each artist’s singular way of seeing. Each of the books in the series will focus on differing subjects and all monographs will showcase the artist’s unique approach to photography. All the books in the series will maintain the same size, dimensions and page count. The first 25 of each will come as a special edition containing a print.
We hereby continue the book series with new works by Cole Barash (b. 1987, American).