Matthew Berler

The ambiguous relationship between the characters, human and animal, and the surreal, dioramic constructions in which they are placed is the foundation of my pinhole series. The qualities inherent to the pinhole camera are used to help create the surreal scene: the wide-angle look, the vignetteing of the corners, the dream-like, soft focus, and the infinite depth of field.

I want the viewer to start off by seeing the surreal juxtaposition of human and animal figures that sets the stage for evolutionary change of hybrid creatures. These creatures, having both human and animal like qualities create new “mythological” hybrids. The artificial co-mingling of man and animal challenges the viewer to see a surreal setting of an exotic and unsettling mixture of species.

The bizarre landscapes of Salvador Dali and especially Ruth Thorne-Thompson’s juxtaposition of disproportional objects in a dream-like manner influenced my creative process. Overall, the diorama constructions showing man and animal cohabitating are meant to convey an almost theatrical, surreal image.

Bio

The role of art in school and the community has provided me with the tools, discipline, and structure to realize my creative potential through the exploration of aesthetics, art history, and contemporary issues. This knowledge has cultivated higher-order thinking and an opportunity for unlimited expression. I have been an active member of the Smart Art Club at Saint Mary’s Hall for the last 3 years in addition to attending monthly art openings with the Saint Mary’s Hall art teachers to discuss and critique artists and their work. Over the past few years I have been the recipient of several statewide and national awards from organizations such as the Association of Texas Photography Instructors (ATPI), and the Scholastic Gold Key Award for my portfolio as a whole. In the past I have worked as a photo lab technician as well as an art teacher for children. I wish to continue my study and love of the arts next year at the George Washington University as well as becoming involved with the rampant artistic community of the greater DC area.