10.28.2011

f100: Ryan Herz and Scot Sothern

© Ryan Herz, from the series "The Children of Edgewood"

fototazo has asked a group of 50 curators, gallery owners, blog writers, photographers, academics and others actively engaged in photography to pick two photographers that deserve (more) recognition - the underknown, the under-respected as well as not-appreciated-enough favorites. A little more information on the project is available in the first post in the series here.

Today we continue the series with responses from John Matkowsky.

The series also includes responses from Nicholas NixonMatt JohnstonBlake AndrewsJohn Edwin MasonAline SmithsonColin PantallMichael WernerLiza FetissovaLaurence Salzmann, Bryan Formhals, Richard Mosse, Shane Lavalette, Amy Stein, Amani Willett, Wayne FordS. Billie MandleLeslie K. BrownGordon StettiniusMarc Feustel, Hin ChuaAdriana Rios MonsalveDaniel AugschoellLarissa LeclairElinor Carucci, Pieter Wisse, Daniel EchevarríaNatalie MinikQiana MestrichJason Landry, Rona Chang, Stella Kramer, Joanne LukitshYumi Goto, Gwen Lafage, Heidi Romano, Julie Grahame, Stefano Bianchi, Steve BissonCharles Guice, Ulf Fågelhammar, Tamas Dezso, Oliver SchneiderJulia Schiller and Lars Boering.

Respondent
John Matkowsky. Owner / curator of the drkrm gallery which specializes in documentary and photo-journalistic work, cutting edge and alternative photographic processes and the display and survey of popular cultural images both current or historic. For the past six years drkrm has presented a superb and continuous array of exceptional exhibits, specializing in more under-the-radar, counterculture presentations as Matkowsky has never been afraid of unspoken issues.

© Scot Sothern, from the series "Lowlife"

Selections
Ryan Herz and Scot Sothern

Ryan Herz' photo essay "The Children of Edgewood" is both a powerful and important body of work. These black and white portraits of developmentally disabled people are at times disturbing, haunting, beautiful and ugly. One can't take your eyes off the subjects. They are extraordinary pictures that leave a deep emotional impact. I am proud to have exhibited his work.

© Ryan Herz, from the series "The Children of Edgewood"


© Ryan Herz, from the series "The Children of Edgewood"

Scot Sothern's "Lowlife" series is brave and confrontational, a gritty, black and white photographic journey though the motels and back alleys of street prostitution. Brutally honest and sometimes hard to look at, but important and relevant work.

© Scot Sothern, from the series "Lowlife"


© Scot Sothern, from the series "Lowlife"