“1948 Pontiac Silver Streak, 2013”, 12"x 18" archival digital print by Sean K. Sullivan (courtesy of the artist)
“Less is more.” Sean Sullivan lends his own meaning to this saying in “Classic Style”, his newly-opened photography exhibit at the Griffin Museum satellite, Aberjona River Gallery in Winchester, MA. The way Sullivan typically highlights just one feature on a classic car serves to isolate and magnify its significance. Cars have been so over-photographed that Sullivan’s signature style is not only visually rich, but very refreshing.
"1955 Mercury Montclair, 2013”, 12"x 18" archival digital print by Sean K. Sullivan (courtesy of the artist)
Since their invention, cars have offered the allure of big, powerful mergers between engineering and aesthetics. And they also function like personal accessories, making individualized statements about the owners’ style and status. Sullivan admits that long ago, he fell in love with old-school hot rods, muscle cars, custom and classic cars, “infatuated with the cars’ clean lines and bold colors”.
“1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, 2012”, 12"x 18" archival digital print by Sean K. Sullivan (courtesy of the artist)
Sullivan possesses an engaging purity of vision. He successfully frames his photographs to create strong graphic statements, while emphasizing each car’s intricate details, those unique features that set them apart from one another. In his images, brightly colored cars declare their machismo (especially the red ones), their shiny chrome accents crowing like a mating call.
"1968 Chevrolet Camaro, 2012”, 12"x 18" archival digital print by Sean K. Sullivan (courtesy of the artist)
What a seduction for the viewer! With their luscious colors, appealing shapes and irresistible shine, Sullivan’s images virtually summon us to “climb in!”
“1937 Cord 812 S/C Phaeton, 2013”, 12"x 18" archival digital print by Sean K. Sullivan (courtesy of the artist)
“Classic Style” will be on view at Aberjona River Gallery in Winchester, MA through March 18, 2014. Simultaneously, Panopticon Gallery in Boston is featuring six of Sullivan’s images in its emerging artist gallery.
For information about the show, the accompanying exhibit catalog and directions to the gallery, go to: http://www.griffinmuseum.org/blog/aberjohna-river-gallery/
“1942 Chevrolet Fleetline, 2013”, 12"x 18" archival digital print by Sean K. Sullivan (courtesy of the artist)
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