Ariel Kirk-Gushowaty

I approach my art practice as a series of experiments into perception and consciousness. Although my projects vary in tone, ranging from solemn to absurd, my work explores notions of collapsing opposites, unorthodox balance points, and the mysteriousness of presence. I am drawn to photo-based media, because it of its strange ontological qualities; no matter how transformed the finished result may be, the work is always a trace of something that really happened, or existed, even if it only came into being for the purpose of being documented. I use both digital and traditional film-based media, but always consider this choice carefully. I feel there are important distinctions between the two, and that the specific characteristics of each influence both the process and the finished product.

When working with people, I try to raise a specific kind of presence within my subjects by explaining the conceptual elements I’m exploring. This brings them into the process, and allows them to ask themselves the same questions that I’m raising within the image. My intention is to create a photographic scene that has a conceptual aspect, yet also remains grounded in a real person’s particular existence. It also allows me to explore the possibilities and limits of awareness within a photographic image – an aspect of photography that I find immensely compelling.

I hold a BA in Philosophy and Cinema Studies from the University of Toronto, and a certificate in Photography from Langara College. My photography work has been shown in Japan, Toronto and Vancouver, and I am a member of several artist and film collectives.

Please feel free to contact me at arielkg@gmail.com