RIO
(See below for Artist Statement)
Exhibition On View at Chelsea Market in NYC from October 1 - December 31, 2016
Photographs from the Olympics typically focus on great athletic feats. My goal in photographing the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio was not only to make photographs highlighting epic athleticism, but also to capture everyday life and the Olympic spirit as it manifested itself outside of the sports venues.
The photographs in this series provide an expansive view of Rio de Janeiro, Brasil during the Olympic Games, highlighting scenes from both within various sports venues as well as outside on the city streets. Some of the photographs in this series illustrate extraordinary human feats by celebrated athletes such as Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps and Simone Biles. Others depict the human spirit of everyday living. And others reveal the natural beauty that envelops the energetic city of Rio.
Many extraordinary feats occurred during the Rio Olympic Games, but not only on the athletic fields. In Rio, life continued to move forward. Despite facing an economic and political crisis, everyday Cariocas (as Rio residents are called) kept living. They proudly shared their city with millions of people from around the world.
Media reports constantly attempted to disparage the city of Rio leading up to and during the Olympics. In reality, however, Rio pulled off a remarkable Olympic Games. This photographic series highlights the beauty and diversity of scenes that comprised a uniquely Brasilian Olympic Games full of pride, human warmth and empathy.