Michael Massaia
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
2012

About the Item

This stunning 20"x 24" toned silver gelatin contact print is one of two final, late 2012 images that complete the Michael Massaia portfolio taken along the New Jersey Shore and presciently called "Afterlife". Beginning in 2008, the artist meticulously documented the amusement park rides along the gritty boardwalks of Seaside Heights seen by millions, but ultimately not really seen. Employing large format view cameras and film, Michael photographed in the early morning hours to depict these normally bustling areas completely devoid of humanity.As a native post Hurricane Sandy, he was able to revisit the amusement piers laid to waste by the storm to witness the devastation of all that he had previously photographed. The Starjet Coaster from Casino Pier was taken in November 2012 and is the first of two post storm photographs that complete the "Afterlife" portfolio. This poignant and graphic image is evidence that photography can transform reality, even the heart breaking kind, into a compelling work of art. Michael Massaia is a native NJ artist who does not stray far from home for his inspirations. He is driven by the belief of the primacy of an original idea as the critical and pivotal element of creation in contemporary art. This is the stimulating factor and purpose behind in the relentless pursuit of perfection in his photographic process in which he is the sole creator. Michael is completely self taught in the conception, creation and execution of each step of the completed work. Michael works with 4×5 ,5x7,8×10, 11x14 view cameras and in this case a medium format Leica S2, on the sturdiest tripods to record all the precise details the meticulous prints demonstrate. The photographs are true "one shot" scenes whose images are never composited from multiple exposures or “staged” for the camera. Seeing these luminous, hand wrought silver gelatin and platinum/palladium prints rendered with excruciating detail and otherworldly resolution and full tonal range is nothing short of mesmerizing. Highlighted portions almost appear to be magically lit from within the print. Whether in platinum prints believed to be the largest ever made, or in silver gelatin prints with complex grays found previously only in a platinum print, both eye and mind are fully engaged. His largest prints are not viewed; it seems that one can actually “enter” the photograph. Like much of the best art, they compel your immediate attention and continue to delight and unfold with repeated viewing. Gallery 270 represents distinguished photographers of the 20th Century and the emergent photographers of the 21st Century from around the world. We place particular emphasis on modern emerging photographers employing traditional processes such as platinum/palladium, cyanotype, and gum bichromate, where the hand of the artist is much more intimately engaged.

Creator:
Michael Massaia (American)
Creation Year:
2012
Dimensions:
Height: 20 in (50.8 cm)Width: 24 in (60.96 cm)
Medium:
Silver Gelatin
Movement & Style:
Contemporary
Period:
21st Century
Condition:
Gold Toned Silver Gelatin Print.
Gallery Location:
Westwood, NJ
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU486315522
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