Christopher Rodriguez

christopher_rodriguez

Nuclear Family (2009)

Statement:
These images are from Sublime Cultivation, which explores conditions of the Sublime, or concentrated moments of rapture, and argues for a lyrical landscape within our cynical and saturated image consuming culture. Sublime Cultivation is an umbrella under which I can question our relationships with nature that are sometimes whimsical, and often dire.

With some of the images, I am referencing 19th century concepts of the Sublime while other images are concerned with how these historical ideas manifest themselves today, specifically through artificial and unexpected moments of human interaction.

Sublime Cultivation was made over a period of several years on road trips across the country. The images are not all directly related through place and thus, sequencing is paramount wherein interrelationships generate narratives and poetics.

I am attracted to qualities of discord in the landscape and an unsettled atmosphere. The color palette helps maintain this surreal quality, shifting the ordinary to the bizarre. Ultimately, the photographs aim to re-awaken our exhausted vision of the American landscape.

Bio:
Christopher Rodriguez’s work has exhibited internationally.  Recently, his images were featured by the Humble Arts Foundation, Wired, and the Huffington Post. His first published monograph, Sublime Cultivation, is held at the Newspace Center of Photography Library and is also offered at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.  Originally from New Orleans, he earned his B.Arch from Louisiana State University and then received his MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He will be attending the Wassaic Artist Residency this summer and currently resides in Brooklyn.

Artist’s Website: chrisrodriguezphoto.com