VLAD BUBNOV
Artist Statement:
Most Photographic Images displayed for and viewed by the general public fit into standard categories – Nature, Scenic, People, Street Photography, Journalism, Nudes, Landscapes, etc. These images are liked because people feel comfortable with them – they quickly can understand and relate to what they are seeing, feel visually safe and fit in with the majority’s art tastes. Because people are used to these standards, they normally see external environment with this dictated vision.
But there is so much more out there! Looked at differently, every day objects and surrounding life contains so much of incredible abstract beauty – all it takes is just a pause in our mundane existence and a fresh look, even if it means laying down on a sidewalk or changing focus.
My Abstract works represent a different point of view of objects found in our every day settings – be it at home, in a city or in nature. Most of my images are based on the influence of my favorite visual & writing styles – Surrealism, Minimalism and Speculative Fiction. When I shoot with my camera (or work digitally with images), these styles blend into one, shifting my vision into a different gear. People have to think twice trying to figure out what they are actually looking at. I enjoy watching individuals looking at my work – you can actually see their brains working overtime. In the end, my goal is to open people’s eyes and minds through esthetically pleasing art that lends itself to infinite interpretations.
Artist Bio:
Vlad Bubnov is a New Jersey based, self-taught artist with more than 20 years of photography experience. He was born in Russia and immigrated with his family to the United States in 1980. He was introduced to photography during his childhood, developing film in his father's home darkroom.
His works have been purchased by individuals worldwide seeking modern and contemporary art. Reactions from buyers of his work range from "stunning and breathtaking" to "phenomenal and museum quality". He is a recipient of a Best in Photography award in the 2007 Manhattan Arts International 24th Anniversary competition.
Using the camera as his canvas, this artist offers a unique view of everyday surroundings as he sees abstract beauty in all aspects of life: This is the message Vlad conveys through his imagery. He states, "In our modern society, people are so bound by dictated standards that they have difficulty with stepping outside of the established norm. My images make people think and that is a gratifying reward."
While Vlad's works are usually Abstract or Minimalistic, he does venture into other categories as well. The majority of his photography is natural and is not pre-staged. However, he is always in search of new techniques, experimenting with his images and occasionally will create something that normally does not exist. People are often puzzled by his photographs and are surprised when told what they are looking at, because they never looked at the object in the same way it is depicted in Vlad's work.
Exhibitions:
2007
Manhattan Arts International, New York, NY
Midlantic Gallery Arts Consortium, Perkasie, PA
1995
Johnson & Johnson World HQ, New Brunswick, NJ
1992
The Church of St. John on the Mountain, Bernardsville, NJ
Awards:
2007
Best In Photography, 24th Manhattan Arts Anniversary.
Juror: Donna Cameron (recipient of three MacDowell fellowships and two Jerome Fellowships)
Second Place, “Photography…The Other fine art”, Perkasie, PA
Juror: Priscilla Smith, Professor of Photography, University of Delaware
2006
1st Place, 43rd Annual Plainfield Outdoor Festival of Art, Plainfield, NJ
1995
Honorable Mention, Johnson & Johnson 9th Annual Employee Photo Competition, New Brunswick, NJ
1992
Honorable Mention, Mountain Art Show, Bernardsville, NJ
Contact:
email: vlad@fotografyart.com
web: www.fotografyart.com
