|
Joseph D.R. OLeary
Current Exhibition: Portraits in Contemporary Photography 2014 Selections from a Series: Of Beards and Men More than a year ago, I embarked on a project to self-publish a book of photographs of men who wear facial hair. I sought to explore society's current fascination with defining masculinity. I see men pushing their own limits to define who they are as individuals and to create personas in reaction to male stereotypes and expectations. As a photographer, I have often turned to myself as the subject of my work. In self-portraits, I explore my own identity and create personas that I feel I play in my own life. Each portrait illuminates and amplifies some element of who I am. I find great comfort in this focused process of self-exploration. The “Of Beards and Men” project pushes me out of this comfortable position. Rather than exploring my own personas, I am exploring personas created by others. Seeking subjects outside myself allows me to put my own personas in context with those of other men. Putting the personas of my self-portraiture in the context of personas that other men create with facial hair brings me to a new point of artistic curiosity. After exploring masculinity for a year, I am now interested in broader ideas of gender Identity. Ultimately, the images became a visual record of masculinity in contemporary society. |
SPECIAL EVENT
'Of Beards and Men' Photoshoot with Joseph D.R. OLeary 6:30pm ARTIST TALK & BOOK SIGNING Would you like to be a part of the 'Of Beards and Men' portraits project by Joseph D.R. OLeary? Have your photo taken on Saturday, June 28th! DATE: Saturday, June 28th, 9am - 3pm COST: $40 Per Beard >> REGISTER HERE! >> BUY THE BOOK |
|
PURCHASING INFORMATION
(For all Portraits) 33" x 24" Editions of 15 Archival Inkjet Prints $920 Unframed | $1,500 Framed |
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Joseph D.R. OLeary was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and now lives on a farm outside Minneapolis. He received his BFA from Minneapolis College Of Art & Design, and has been included in exhibitions In Minnesota, Virginia, Colorado, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Selections from his series "Delicate Scars" was published in London-based Mascular magazine in Spring 2013. His book "Of Beards And Men" is scheduled for release in Fall 2013. |
Please contact Drift Gallery at 603-379-6560 to inquire about availability.
