Member Artist
December 2024
Joseph O’Neill
Artist Statement
As a teenager, I was introduced to the photography of Emmanuel Radnitzky, commonly known as Man Ray, by my mother during her art history class on Dadaism. This was my first encounter with his iconic works, Le Violon d'Ingres and the
Rayograph titled Spiral, which captivated my imagination. As I delved deeper into the artist's life, his techniques, and particularly his collection "Les Champs Délicieux," I found myself fascinated by how he crafted such intricate and refined patterns using only shades of grey. When I visited the Centre Pompidou a couple of years ago and
viewed Le Violon d’Ingres, it reminded me of his photograms. Now that I am older, I feel prepared to explore and create my own photograms.
Throughout my journey, I have had the opportunity to explore unconventional methods and have embraced learning through trial and error to deeply uncover my aesthetic. I've honed my skill in noticing photographs everywhere around me, envisioning them in my mind's eye, and translating those visions onto paper. As photographers, we often hear that an impactful photograph must convey a story, suggesting that a picture is worth a thousand words. However, I disagree with this notion. Abstract photography is not primarily about storytelling; it focuses on a feeling and visual appeal. Viewing abstract photography is more about aesthetic experience, inviting the viewer to engage on a visceral level rather than an emotional one. My aim is to give the viewer the freedom to interpret the story for themselves, rather than
dictating a narrative.
Joseph O’Neill was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1965. He has no formal education in art, but did study to become a chef. In the process of becoming a chef, he was forced to develop the habit of trying, tasting, and experiencing things in a different way.
He has been an active photographer throughout the last decade, but only began exhibiting in 2012. Because he is self taught, he is never afraid to try different techniques. His photography has been influenced first by the works of Eugene Atget, and later by Man-Ray. His earlier work in photography was an unplanned documenting of things that are taken for granted as he passed them. Since deliberately moving toward photography as fine art, he has been experimenting more with architectural abstracts and nude studies. His work has appeared in numerous group and solo exhibitions around the world, predominately in New York City and Europe. Has been published in art journals, and art magazines, digitally and in print. His work is on display in the U.S. Embassies in Oman and Latvia, and is an active member of one of New York City’s oldest artist collective, The Pleiades Gallery.
For inquiries contact the artist directly:
www.jotog.nyc/
[email protected],
Instagram: www.instagram.com/joeiamone/