Melanie Bonajo's photographs function almost as a catalog of things she sees in her head, or things she thinks about throughout the day. They are not serious, they are not formal, they don't stick to a particular style. In an interview she states that some she doesn't even consider photographs, in a traditional sense, because the lighting and composition don't matter. I wish I had the courage to make work like this. This is my dream. I don't like to make formal photographs, and I despise technicalities. Melanie Bonajo's work is refreshing.
Quotes:
"My ideas are jingles in my head, they come to me. To be able to make a song i have to give stucture to the melodies, like i have to put the thoughts and idea's into matter to be able to impart the information and touch someone like it touched me first. My work is an irregular impulse of experiences and aesthetic enjoyments stemming from the questions I have and the things that I know. I am not interested in a particular truth or a common reality, but I do have to understand and embody my truth, which I find from looking within. Although these things might be universal, consequently, questioning myself leads to the act of questioning you. Nothing should control the spirit."
-from artist statement on fette gallery website
"I create wonder with vengeance about the true nature of things, from my point of view. This outcome – art - must hit someone with its mental and emotional power so you can feel what you see. You can not turn your head away. I believe our language has to be physical in order to touch someone. After any word or image which is a collection of many words hids energy.Holding your gaze upon my photographs is an invitation to play. Confrontation can be liberating but it can also be bizarre. Melancholy and humor are important aspects for me. It might hurt a little, too."
-from artist statement on fette gallery website
interview
gallery 1
gallery 2
artist's website
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