Matt Dessner

Artist Statement

Matt Dessner -Street Photographer

Capturing urban scenes placed in oversized Polaroid shaped frames.

Nostalgia meets modernity, street photography reimagined.

I actually started my artistic journey in front of the camera, acting in television commercials, and bit parts in movies in the 1980s and 90s. As time progressed, I transitioned to directing TV test commercials for leading Global Advertising Agencies, contributing to shaping brand stories.

My roots in New York City and my major in documentary film heavily influenced my artistic perspective on the power of the camera to shine a light on overlooked people and objects around us.

Growing up amidst the emerging rap music scene in Queens, I absorbed the rhythm, energy and storytelling that would later find its way into the subjects I would shoot. The vibrant sights and captivating streets of Manhattan became an integral part of my artistic inspiration. As a teenager I would wonder into SOHO to explore the many galleries. These experiences played a crucial role in shaping my artistic sensibilities.

Today, I channel these influences into my work, crafting unique narratives by seamlessly blending the immediacy of modern street photography with the nostalgic charm of oversized Polaroid frames. Attempting to provoke a feeling of sentimentality and freshness into the same visual experience.

Through this artistic approach, I create a captivating interplay between the contemporary and the classic. Each meticulously printed piece is directly onto aluminum Dibond and invites the viewer into a realm where timeless aesthetics harmonize with the vibrancy of the present – a fusion of modern materials and retro vibes.

A native New Yorker, I currently call Los Angeles, California, home.

https://www.mdezz.com

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