Features
Featured New Artist: Matt Mallams
Another West-coaster, Matt Mallams is a 2006 graduate of visual journalism at the Brooks Institute of Photography in Ventura, and is based in San Diego. Matt describes himself as a street photographer “I enjoy exploring places with no preconceptions, just reacting to what’s around me. I like to work with what’s given to me, mixing light, subjects, reflections, interactions, everything in my images happening by chance. What is exciting to me about being a photographer is how life itself offers situations far more strange and beautiful than anything I could come up with. My style is a mixture of my fine art and documentary education. My photography is all about taking in a deep breath and observing what’s around you.”
For the most part Matt knew he wanted to pursue a creative career without the constrictions of a nine to five job. “So it ended up that photography became the perfect medium for me, it was something I could always be doing, always seeing, always exploring, always pushing my ability to observe and perceive. I love exploring the streets, and the feeling of being invisible. I’m kind of a shy guy, but when I have a camera in my hands it gives me a reason to explore, to go in to other people’s lives, to go where you’re told not to. I love the feeling of the unknown, it never ceases to amazes me. I never know what I’ll encounter. Some days I won’t take a single picture, but find a weathered photograph or letter, and I’ll be satisfied.”
The images that make up the slideshow are a collection of street photographs he has taken over the past couple years. They offer further insight into his style and vision. Matt explains “They are all found moments that happened while I was just out and about. Recently I have been inspired by street artist Banksy and renowned contemporary artist Robert Irwin. They have introduced me to the study of phenomenology, which in part is the idea that people become lazy and tend to follow the path of least resistance. They are in need of a renewed perspective and things as simple as street art can achieve this. Having a camera on me keeps me awake to the world around me, it constantly pushes my ability to perceive. Lately, I am trying to inspire others to see and perceive more, it’s an ability we all have but most of our society is so rushed they don’t ever stop to take a breath and observe what is happening around them.”
Web: www.mattmallams.com
Matt Mallams is this week’s Featured New Artist from our friends at Aurora Photos. Aurora’s staff regularly seeks out new, up and coming photographers to highlight on abouttheimage.com. We hope our readers will enjoy learning about these young pro-photographers and seeing examples of their outstanding work. Photographers who would like to be considered for publication as a Featured New Artist can submit their resume and portfolio by email to fna [at] abouttheimage.com.
Posted in: Featured New Artists, Features, Photographers
