Joseph O'Neill

Born
1965
Nationality
American
Country
United States
City
New York City

As a photographer we are taught that for a photograph to have an impact upon the viewer it must tell a story, that a photograph is worth a thousand words. I do not believe that statement to be true. Abstract photography is not about telling a story, it is about a feel, a look. The aesthetic is what is the most important aspect in viewing this style. I am allowing the viewer to decide what the story is, not imposing my views upon them. I want to tare down this stereotype of what a photograph should be and open up this art form, to move it into the another realm.  Wanting this art form to be recognized as a legitimate visual art form, not the step child of the art world.

Because we are the first generation of digital photographers we are setting the precedent  for all photographs that come after us. Get to expand the definition of the photography’s language. The new technology allows photographic artists to re-define what photography is and what it can be. It’s a new brush that we get to use for the first.

In this exhibition I draw inspiration from the art of minimalism. By using modern technology I have created photographs that are both true to the artist and the definition of minimalism but convey a modernist approach. These photographs bring about a heightened sense of drama, intense images communicated by the use of high contrast black and white with crisp clean lines of the geometric form, but with a certain amount of realism.

I draw inspiration from the art of minimalism. By using modern technology I have created photographs that are both true to the artist and the definition of minimalism but convey a modernist approach. These photographs bring about a heightened sense of drama, an intense image communicated by the use of high contrast black and white and crisp clean lines of the geometric form, but with a certain amount of realism.
Occupation
Photographer
Bartender
Chef
Address
790 11th Avenue, Apt 26d
New York City, NY, USA,
10019
Interests
abstract art
COoking
Film photography
Digital photography
Languages
English
Biography

Joseph O’Neill was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1965. He has no formal  education in art, but did study to become a chef. In the process of becoming a chef, he was forced to develop the habit of trying, tasting, and experiencing things in a different way. He has been an active photographer throughout the last decade, but only began exhibiting in 2012.  Because he is self taught, he is never afraid to try different  techniques. His photography has been influenced first by the works of Eugene Atget, and later by Man-Ray. His earlier work in photography was an unplanned documenting of things that are taken for granted as he passed them. Since deliberately moving toward photography as fine art, he has been experimenting more with architectural abstracts and nude studies. His work has appeared in numerous group and solo exhibitions around the world, predominately in New York City and Europe. Has been published in art journals, and art magazines, digitally and in print. His work  is on display in the U.S. Embassies in Oman and Latvia, and is an active member of  one of New York City’s oldest artist collective, The Pleiades Gallery.

Education
State University of New York at Farmingdale, Hotel/Restaurant Management
Exhibitions
2023
Black & White & Color
Pleiades Gallery
Solo
2023
Upside Down
PH21 Gallery
Group
2023
The Abstract Image 23
Praxis Gallery, Minnesota
2022
Black and white
One Art Space
Group
Prizes and Awards
2023 Refocus Award, Honorable Mention
2023 Mono Award, Honorable Mention
2022, The Chromatic Award, Honorable Mention
2022, Color Award, Dodho Magazine
Links