Photography, as an art form, has the power to captivate and inspire. For Genova-based artist Frank Morris, the fascination with this medium began at a young age when he invested his savings in a reflex Voigtlander SLR, marking the inception of a self-guided exploration into the world of photography. His journey, influenced by the discoveries of artist Paolo Gioli, eventually led him to a profound engagement with Polaroid and large-format Instax photography.
Morris’s body of work has been placed on the walls of art galleries in various Italian and foreign cities, including Milan, Berlin, Lisbon, Barcelona, and Paris. His photographs have found a home in international journals and magazines, a testament to his skill and dedication. Managing the “Atelier Fotografico” in Genova, Morris actively conducts workshops, events, and PolaroidNow! exhibitions, always promoting our beloved instant photography.
One of Morris’s standout projects is “Polanudes,” initiated around the year 2000 and still evolving today with the latest films available. Central to this project is the meticulous technique of large-format image transfer, a method integrated into Morris’s exploration of the female figure throughout art history.
Morris’s artistic vision consciously navigates the conceptual risks associated with a deliberately pictorial approach. The project is a photographic interpretation of the female form, intricately intertwined with the annals of art history. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artistic movements, Morris parallels his photographic exploration with a study of works that have shaped the narrative of art, spanning from the Pre-Raphaelites to contemporary figurative artists.
In a deliberate departure from conventional norms, Morris’s choice of female subjects for his Polanudes project eschews professional models. Instead, he opts for the classic next-door person, a departure from modern stereotypes imposed by the cruel scrutiny of commercial photography. The essence of Morris’s work lies not in the conformity to conventional standards of physical beauty but in capturing the authenticity of individuals divorced from societal expectations.
Diving the photography of Frank Morris, we witness a blend of technical prowess, historical reverence, and a commitment to challenging societal norms. Morris’s art invites us to reconsider our perceptions of the female form and prompts a thoughtful reflection on the intersection of art, history, and contemporary ideals.