Paul Politis is a self-taught photographer from Ottawa, Canada whose extensive portfolio of work encompasses portraits, figures, still-lifes, and city scenes, most of which are in the gritty, realistic style seen below.
Personally, I think black and white photography is the perfect medium for capturing the architectural wonder (and slow decay) of mankind’s steel and concrete cities - there’s just something about the way photos can show every nook and cranny, highlighting the angles and geometry of buildings, in a way that other mediums cannot.
In addition, “found” scenes like this one, entitled No Parking, seem to always have a certain nostalgia, or sense of loss. . .
It’s really quite beautiful, in it’s own desolate way.
Paul’s city scene photography ranges from finding patterns in the brick and concrete, to shooting strange vantage points, to emphasizing the wonder of human ingenuity and architectural grace.
In Wind Chimes, he focuses his camera on the single point of humanity against a backdrop of wire mesh, wrought-iron railings and brick buildings: a musical instrument which, ironically, needs no human to play it.
Whether you find these images austere, lonely, cold, or magnificent, each one is a testament to Paul’s skill and vision as a photographer. His work looms larger than life, heavier than the blue-skied, sun-drenched world they were plucked from. . .
Unique, in other words. Just the way art should be.
To see the rest of Paul’s photographs, check out his website at PaulPolitis.com and click the “enter now” link near the top. To keep up-to-date with Paul’s newest photographs, make sure to visit his photography blog as well.