All Photos Copyright

By

Joshua Barash

7336 Santa Monica Blvd. #688

West Hollywood, CA 90046

I wanted to try something different from 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.

A few comments from the American Art Salon:

Mist on Causeway - "...this composition handles the projected process in a compositionally effective way, with a resulting image that offers an innovative and striking integration of image and surface."

Under Riverside Drive II - "The human body provides an ideal surface for a highly complex and contrasting image, resulting in a strong directional focus and resolution."

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 across the U.S. including L.A., Washington, D.C., Lexington, KY and San Fran.

I'm pleased to say I am now being repped by Gallery M of Denver.  If you're in Denver, check them out, or click the logo to see their web site.  

Current and upcoming shows:

Cambridge, England

This year’s festival will take place from the 22^nd of  April to the 1^st of May 2010. It will comprise a program of more than 70 short films from around the world shown over 2 weeks!

My film will be screening in program 4 on Sat. the 24th.

ArtPrize 2009.  Grand Rapids, MI.

Beginning Sept. 23, 2009

 

My piece will be at

The B.O.B.

20 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

 

If you're in Grand Rapids, check out the website by clicking the logo above,

and vote for me.

Friday March 20, 2009 - June 30, 2009

Francois & Co.

205 N Robertson. Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA 90211

February 14 - March 26, 2009

Ciao Gallery

1921 Moose Wilson rd. #101
Wilson WY, 83014

(307)733-7833

www.ciaogallery.com

March 22 - May 25, 2008

Group Exhibit

Peninsula Museum Of Art

Belmont, CA

I was just put on the short list for this prestigious competition.

November 12 - December 12, 2007

     American Juried Art Salon

November 3 - November 25, 2007

     Santa Cruz Art League

     Santa Cruz, CA

              Link: http://www.scal.org/

 

 

November 1 - November 30, 2007

 

     Project30.com

Link: 6http://www.projekt30.com/final_display.php?show_id=3