Artist Series: Alexander Newman

Taking a more sporadic approach to how I interview artists, I plan nothing in advance (besides the meeting itself) - no questions, themes, or prefabricated conversation topics.  It has seemingly turned into a beautiful process. 

On my drive to Columbus, Ohio, en route to Travonna Coffee Shop in the Short North Art District located on High Street, I realized that these interviews entailed common themes - coffee shops, a few awkward silences, lots of smiles, good chai lattes, and more importantly, some of the most stimulating thoughts about art that even my undergraduate art theory classes couldn't fully initiate.  My recent conversation with fellow Miami University graduate, Alexander Newman was no exception.

Discovering his photography through a winter open house hosted by Miami University's Art Department in the Winter/Spring of 2010 - an obsession ensued.  In fact, my first purchase of fine art was Alex's Self Portrait, taken while attending Miami University.  

It was quickly apparent that Alex's interest in photography, lay in both its versatility and materiality.  Switching between fashion photography, self portraiture, and night life scenes, Alex has obtained the maturity of a seasoned photographer.  I particularly enjoyed our conversations about the influence that film and cinema have upon his work. He is inspired by the thought that every moment he captures will never return - to either himself, or his subject.

Since starting graduate school in art history last month, I have had the pleasure of watching his career evolve into his newest project, Last Nite - where through indulging himself into nightlife culture, he captures the purest moments of America's youth - in which inhibitions, cares, and worries are forfeited in an effort to encapsulate a modern-day version of Bresson's "decisive moment".

With as many interests and possibilities that Alex has, I sincerely look forward to his upcoming projects! 

You can check out more of his work, here!

(Alex's girlfriend, Sarah Robison - whom I also had the pleasure of studying with at Miami University)

Artist Series: Rineke Dijkstra

During my weekend excursion to Chicago, I stumbled upon the excellent contemporary photography collection of the Chicago Institute of Art. One gallery in particular, housed eleven works by Dutch photographer, Rineke Dijkstra (their full collection contains 23 of her works!) - and it took my breath away. Her subdued palettes, extra-large compositions, and raw subject matter kept me mesmerized.  Luckily, I was traveling with a fellow art historian, so I wasn't rushed through the process.

All of the eleven works shown were an excerpt from her Beach Portraits series completed in the early-90s.  Her subject: young, adolescent children of all genders, ages, and nationalities - making the point that the transitional awkwardness that adolescence and puberty brings is something that crosses international borders.  It's a transition experienced by all - a phenomenon - a universal.


The work of August Sanders instantly hit me as a reference point to Dijkstra's work.  In favor of Dijkstra's work, I feel that she is not only seeking a universal concept, but forcing its acknowledgment as well. Sanders work, Faces of Our Time (which I adore) lacks an aggression, and as such - an honesty, that Dijkstra truly captures.


If you get a chance - these are a must-see.

Now: Instagramers!

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Now: Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati

A wonderful surprise in OTR. Cindy Sherman's Untitled Flim Still #21, 1978

Sloane Boutique, OTR.

Interior of Sloane Boutique.

Fellow blogger, and friend - Kat Cooper.

I have always maintained a soft spot for transitional neighborhoods and communities - if you think about it, some of the most intriguing cities in the world are those under current renovation and restoration (Berlin, New York, Chicago, Istanbul).  Although Berlin, Germany and Brooklyn, New York are the first two that pop into my mind - now, Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati will be a close third.

Rising above poverty, crime, and....wait for it....generational stereotypes (yuck!) - transitional areas often surprise you - and definitely provide a refreshing sense of hope.

Usually offering more affordable housing, fresh farmer's markets, vintage/thrift clothing stores, up-and-coming restaurants and ambitious entrepreneurs and designers - these neighborhoods have so much to offer, especially to those willing to offer a helping hand.

Artist Series: Alexander Newman

Photo Courtesy of Alexander Newman

I am posting this announcement a little early (out of pure excitement) - during my undergraduate career as an art historian at Miami University I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with several art studio students - one of them being Alexander Newman (photography focus).

During the Art Open House in Spring 2011, I happened across a self-portrait (NOT shown here) taken by Alex, and it shook me - in the best of ways.  Working mostly in black & white, Alex recognizes the essence of everything he captures - especially himself.

I don't want to speak too soon, or say too much before our interview! Check out his great website in the mean time!

Alexander Newman