Martin Osner South Africa

ARTIST STATEMENT: On a winter’s day in 1984, photography and I met one another quite by accident. A meeting that redirected my life and changed it forever. Over the past twenty odd years, while walking the path of self-discovery, my approach has taken numerous detours. A journey that has allowed a move towards a relaxed subconscious attitude with the desire to express simplicity and honesty through my work. For me, a photograph holds an undeniable sense of realism, a connection that is easy to associate with. I see, I understand, I experience, I relate. Unlike many artists, I treat anything as a subject and photograph things purely because I am interested in their transformation from reality to realism to art. Although I have never been a dedicated painter, I see and experience the world in this way. My social commentary and documentary work has been inspired by the great artist and master photographer Henri Cartier Bresson. On the other hand, many of my still-life studies can be described as painterly expressionistic drawing influences through the Fauvism movement, in particular the work of Henri Matisse. In my spiritual walk I experience hours of peace and contentment when behind the lens of a camera. I have never doubted my love for photography or my burning passion for art. It is something I could never stop. It’s what I do, it‘s what I love, it’s who I am.
BIOGRAPHY: Born in Johannesburg, South Africa (1963), Martin Osner opened his first photographic studio in Johannesburg (1985) where he established a solid reputation as a professional photographer and artist. In 1993 he co-founded the National College of Photography, which today has become the premier photographic training institution in Southern Africa. Osner eschews photography, favoring a more expressive vision that accords with his visual understanding and spiritual appreciation of the world. A multi-award winning artist his photography is characterized by an urge to explore with the willingness to experiment. Concentrating intently on elemental form, pattern and shape, paired with a necessary sense of restraint, he bears out his belief that simplicity is the cornerstone of successful imaging. Today Osner specializes in a contemporary portfolio of fine art photography, offering limited edition Gicleé and traditional black & white vintage prints, into a collectors’ market. His collection consists of ghostly abstract renditions, moody landscapes and social documentary imaging.
ABANDONED: The purpose of this series is to highlight today’s modern “throw - away” society and the excessive desire to have. Consumerism has reached an all time high in world economics today. Homes are filled with the best modern electronic equipment, beautiful cars are parked in the garages, and caravans and motorboats are lined up to guarantee weekend pleasure. All these items have a relatively short shelf life, soon they will be traded in for a new model and their journey towards insignificance commences. This body of work is a collection of things that have passed their “sell by date”, subjects that have fulfilled their purpose and have now been thrown away by their owners only to be forgotten. Earthly items, discarded if you like, “Things” brushed aside...Once worshipped, idolized and even loved, now simply left abandoned (www.martinosner.com www.martinosnerphotography.com)