Reza Ardalan an undiscovered talent is soon to exhibit his gift for photography at ARK gallery in Fullerton (445 E. Wilshire Ave./Fullerton, CA 92831), with its opening reception this Saturday November 14th from 6-10pm. Ardalan’s photos hold unique perspectives and complementary colors, so creative in their angles that they resemble mixed media paintings, where the texture can practically be felt in its photographic depiction. Calle Antigua, a quintessential example, is a riveting work of an almost Roman like sensibility through its many layers and enigmatic allegory. It is certainly a work worth seeing in person.
Photography has been a mere hobby for Ardalan throughout the years. Growing up on the east coast in Secaucus, New Jersey and in the midst of New York, NY, Ardalan was exposed to a diverse world of art, music and fashion. He pursued his interest in couture at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles in 1993. Immediately after graduation Ardalan returned to New York for several years, until he was to come back to California where he now lives with his wife Michelle and his two-year old son Nico.
When asked what inspired the exhibition, as many an artist would claim, “my love for photography”. The exhibit carries a l’art pour l’art (art for arts sake) aura. Ardalan alleges seeing other photographer’s work can be inspirational, impacting a powerful imagery upon one. The work does not necessarily have to do with the person behind it upon initial view but the impression it makes on your soul that will last indefinitely.
Roxana Vosough: Do you prefer digital or manual? Can you expand on your experiences with both?
Reza Ardalan: The technology of the digital cameras’ processors are incredible, so today I prefer digital, 5 years ago however film was my favorite.
RV: What camera do you use, and what lens for the works exhibited?
RA: I used a Nikon D5000 with 1.8- 50mm, and 55-200mm.
RV: What advice do you have for amateur photographers, seeking to take more artistic shots?
RA: Composition is everything. The most simple subject can come alive and slap you in the face screaming “Look at Me” I like to get down and dirty when shooting. Laying on the ground is a fun exercise to see everything from a new and usually more interesting perspective. Photography for me is like hunting. You have a focus, a plan, and you execute your hunt all the while factoring, readjusting, and remaining adaptive. I was in Guatemala this year trying to figure out how I could get a shot of the most beautiful architecture because there just happened to be a pack of 6-8 wild dogs roaming about, and at 6 in the morning you don’t know if you are their breakfast or not.
RV: Where do you get your inspiration?
RA: Inspiration for me comes from all directions all the time. It could be a movie that introduces me to a new style. It could be a book that awakens dormant potential. But 99% of the time, inspiration comes from being present. Being Aware. Seeing without judging. There is beauty in almost everything, and I find that the toughest part is getting your mind to quiet down long enough to allow you to see that beauty. A few days ago a just was looking out the window and I saw the midday sun hitting this tree and its few remaining leaves, perfectly. The rest is point and shoot. Good times.
