Why walk the plank of imitation when you can rebel?

Some people say that all ideas are a collaboration of imitations of things that you’ve already heard or seen before. So, in a way, no idea is “original.” But, I think that’s the beauty of it all; when you create something new you gain the ability to leave a mark on someone’s life. On the other hand, when someone else inspires you, your imaginary paths tie imaginary knots.

However, there are some creations that refuse to walk the plank of imitation. These creations refuse to follow, instead, they rebel. These creations don’t merely inspire you; they turn heads, demand attention & simply make you feel. These creations represent the perfect mix of colors that any artist may strive for.

 

Alex La Cruz, Exposure Miami 2013 Artist

“My art practice explores the continuum between annihilation and regeneration. I am interested in the the liminal states of people and the environment. The moon is an important source of inspiration and a marker for temporal cycles.”

 

Much like his work, Cruz knows what he’s talking about. The way he envelops his photographs with those descriptive words, really makes you dig through the layers for the meaning behind his prints. Can photography be categorized as a form of art? This question has been a hot-topic of debate for a while now.

Well, here we are, with this exemplifying photograph to turn those open-ended questions into a close-ended- yes.

As Mr. Cruz states, “I am interested in the the liminal states of people,” the photograph here makes you wonder if the man is actually sinking or emerging. The composition, the saturation, the mere expression on the man’s face whispers, “listen to me.”

Along with this photograph (from the series, “Americano”), Mr. Cruz shared works from many other series. Personally, what makes his works admirable is the concept behind them. Continuum, but, in a bordering manner. Complexly simple, isn’t it?

 

Jennifer Sims, Exposure Miami 2013 Artist

 

“Honestly, I’m endlessly fascinated with how movement doesn’t lie, how movement can say what words cannot, and letting people observe what we don’t know we reveal about ourselves. Like many, I’m not interested in how people move, I’m interested in what moves them. I mostly want viewers to question how they identify their own personal experiences of things they would never admit to others, or even their selves, with what they experience with what they see.”

Jennifer Sims says it all- redefining inspiration by pairing it with movement. Her words remind me of water; the way the variety of its momentums have the ability to keep ships afloat, mold pebbles, separate mountains and to simply inspire us. She aims to put movement under a microscope, and seeks to unravel the hidden meanings it veils from person to person.

 

Shelly Hanan, Exposure Miami 2013 Artist

 

“I’m drawn to places that have begun to change. Some are deconstructing or simplifying, some are completely still, and some are in a jumbled cycle of renewal that completely changes their original intent.”

 

 

Similar to the previous two artists, Shelly takes up the simple topic of movement/change and uses it to inspire herself. However, what separates her from them, is her ability to capture the stillness within the concept of “change.” She lets the idea of comparing “now vs. then” sink into the viewer’s thoughts, as they take their time staring into her harmonically balanced photographs.

Photographing things & objects that may no longer hold a value to them- she symbolizes them by making the viewers churn on the thought of change. By taking something so simple & by giving it meaning, she asks her viewers to question the little things in their lives.

 

Alexander Perrelli, Exposure Miami 2013 Artist

“Mortality and Artifact is an ongoing body of work about the interconnectivity of nature and humanity…[these] works represent my deep passion for the science of observation and the objectivity of nature, contrasted and enhanced by the subjective interpretation of each photograph, and hence regard the act of perception as modular, poetic and infinite.”

Last, but not least, Perrelli’s outstanding collection form last year’s Art Basel Miami presented a comparative variety of works that represented the theme of “Mortality & Artifact.” The assertive oddness of his collection draws the audience’s attention, and makes them question if the photographs are actually posed or candid: Artifact or Mortal.

Similar to these inspirational artists and their works, if you’d like to plant the roots to your passion and/or share the creations of your inspirations, have a look at what Starry Night Programs has to offer! Hopefully, you’d be the next one we’d be writing about, on how you inspired us!