Jon Martin Fine Art Photographer

Three of my fine art photographs have been chosen to be part of black history month in Manchester in the UK. The exhibition is called “Location Relative”  and will be held in the Contact space in Manchester  as part of its “Afro Vibes” festival  featuring contemporary theater, dance, spoken word and music from South Africa to Manchester.The three pieces are:

Totem bowls (Some of these bowls were broken in the belly of a ship on their journey to America) was made in 2008 in London. Three of the bowls were bought in Brixton from a British Nigerian potter the others were bought in various London charity shops. I was trying to unite my love of design with my photography to create something new. On moving to America in 2010 some of the bowls were broken in shipping, giving the piece the subtitle, whilst others were broken in daily use. As another fragile vessel this has highlighted for me the magic of photography holding small slivers of time still for ever.

Design totems was made in 2009 in London. Here I was trying to create my design totems to express my own aesthetic language, a careful balance of the kitsch, ancient, natural, eternal, fake, elegant, and fools gold, using some of my favorite objects.

Animal totems was made in 2011 in Hoboken New Jersey, USA. I found this group of characters that just demanded to be captured. My favorite thing about this work is seeing my feet in socks reflected in the golden pig. The objects that make up this piece were purchased in the USA, UK and Kazakhstan at thrift stores, chain stores, charity shops, an international fair, and museum shops. Two of the characters have asked me to use them again and I hope to oblige them before they get broken.

See more of my fine art photographs,or hire me to take your portarait.

Or contact me at Jon Martin Designs.com