By Michael James O’Brien
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Men, Women, and Drag, draws inspiration from his diverse roles as a photographer, poet, and activist. His work often intersects with themes of identity, social justice, and cultural commentary. O’Brien's photographss highlig his ability to capture the human experience with depth and nuance. His involvement in activism, particularly with HIV/AIDS awareness and support, further informs his artistic perspective, making his work both impactful and deeply personal.
Michael James O’Brien draws inspiration from his diverse roles as a photographer, poet, and activist. His work often intersects with themes of identity, social justice, and cultural commentary. O'Brien produced a diverse body of photographic work, from still lifes and portraits to art documentation. He still uses film and works in medium and large formats. His themes are not classical, the artist prefers to portray extraordiary beuty, transgender people and still lifes. The artist's images have a sense of discovery and loss; absence and presence.
From the Series Girlfriend
Printed on Hahnemuhle fine art photo rag paper
Dimension for each print is 22 in. H x 17 in. W
(The overall size composition of the entire portfolio is: 66 in. H x 51 in. W)
Limited Edition of 10 + 2AP
All these portraits were made on tri-x BW film with a Pentax 6 x 7 photographed in Natural Light.
1. Lavinia (Girlfriend), NYC, 1992
“I came to Manhattan with just a handbag” - Lavinia Co-op
2. Ebony Jet (Girlfriend), NYC, 1992
“We’re all born naked, everything else is drag” - RuPaul Charles
3. Miss Guy (Girlfriend), NYC, 1992
“You’ve got your mother in a whirl; she’s not sure if you’re a boy or a girl.”
- David Bowie, Rebel, Rebel
4. Ming Vauze (Benjamin Liu) NYC, 1992
“Impersonation is the supreme act of creation.”
- Yukio Mishima...
Category
2010s Contemporary Art
MaterialsArchival Pigment, Black and White