NAME: Anthony W. Grigas
BIRTH PLACE: Scranton, PA
BIRTH DATE: 10.15.84
BIOGRAPHY
Artist Statement
With traditional photography making its mark on today’s society, my photographs tend to take a step back, emphasizing historic processes. Through the use of cyanotype, a process which when exposed to sunlight, creates a Prussian blue image, I emphasize the basic elements of photography. In these images, elements often reveal, conceal, and contradict each other. In one instance, the subject matter may be exposing itself while simultaneously concealing itself within the same image. In another instance the actual material the image is printed on may be broken down, revealing the basic composition of the fabric.
My imagery, primarily figures, are anonymous torsos occasionally with the basic features that indicate a face. Through this implication, I force the image to be a figure rather than to become a portrait. These images are printed on canvas, further distancing them from traditional photography. The size of the canvas is ranges from the size 11x14 to 16x20. Though still common photograph sizes, the common viewer associates the work more with paintings or drawings. I believe fabric allows the viewer to think less about photography and more easily see the work as art. The fact you can feel this material and see its texture breaks the initial picture plane, and, in a small way, gives the piece a third dimension.
The photographers Richard Avedon and Loretta Lux inspire me with their ability to create emotion in their photographs with few compositional elements including their simple subject. Avedon, known for his portraits ranging from the workingman to high-class celebrities, isolates his subjects by using solid white backgrounds, directing the focus to the individual. Somewhat similar Lux creates her scenes using painted backgrounds and color-codes the environment based on what the subject is wearing.
In addition with these photographers, painters including Barnett Newman and Mark Rothko also influence me. I particularly respond to Newman and Rothko's ability to arrange a composition based solely on lines and shape has been a major influence to me. Lately I have come to place similar types of elements with in my own work.
