“TO THE POINT” A PHOTO PROJECT BY MANI NEJAD
To the Point is a visual journey through scenes and spaces that are unique in reflecting an aesthetic atmosphere of floating time and mysterious subtext. Conceived as a book project, the work explores the language of fictional minimalism in architecture, urban scenes and interior details. Mani Nejad spent over one year portraying the inherent “second nature” of seemingly profane subjects – working out their bold and clear formal narrative.
The selection of images for this book project is a careful balance of captures of interiors and exteriors, of urban scenes and architectural detail. Striking about all of these images is their sober directness that is speaking to the point and sheding light on the hidden monumental and dramatic nature of subjects.
Looking at the photographs it also becomes clear that the beauty of spaces is best appreciated when they are empty: people are appearing rarely and – if at all – difficult to discern or otherwise only halfway present.
This approach of creating “anonymous spaces and objects” which for the most part defy a more precise definition add to their specific aura emanating a feeling of silence and clear focus. Lines, reflections, shadows and angles are on the spotlight and take on new roles in a modified context: they weave compositions that turn architecture into abstract artwork.
There is one aspect this series pays special hommage to: perspective. Extended guiding lines and deep views lead the eye into a nihilistic black focal point or horizon line. Visual axes and cues meet and relate to each other – just for the glimpse of a moment or as a permanent backdrop defining the image structure.
Exposures of silhouettes behind windows, shadows cast by corners and folds, reflecting panels, and ever so slightly irregular grid patterns – they are all ingredients for a provocative casualness that is as authentic as it is dramatically charged.
Yet within combinations of such kind, and notwithstanding the cool look and feel these images emanate, a subjective perception can be reconstructed which is trained by a painterly examination of the visual encounters.
