Playing with Lights and Contrasts: The Photography of Mohamed Bengriba

Exhibition Details

Dates: May 19, 2017 – June 8, 2017Reception: Thursday, May 25, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pmGallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00 am – 6:00 pmLocation: 530 West 25th St, Chelsea, New YorkEvent URL: Agora Gallery - Mohamed Bengriba

The Journey of Mohamed Bengriba

Born in the southeastern suburb of Créteil, Paris, Mohamed Bengriba's foray into the art world was inspired by a television report on Marc Chagall’s “Bella with White Collar.” This pivotal moment led him to explore museums and connect with the works of Klee, Kandinsky, and Pollock. His journey into digital photography began soon after, with a serendipitous encounter with a rain-drenched spider’s web. This discovery ignited his passion for manipulating photographs, focusing on light, contrast, and saturation.

The Artistic Process

Bengriba’s editing process is integral to his work. He believes that if a photograph is too straightforward, it loses its artistic essence. "If a photograph represents something in a too-obvious way," Bengriba explains, "I process it until it has lost enough of its photogenics." His current body of work is characterized by vivid colors and heavy saturation, reminiscent of thermal scans. This approach transforms his photographs into abstract puzzles, inviting viewers to decipher the original content while exploring a new, imaginative world.

The Essence of Abstraction

For Bengriba, abstraction is synonymous with freedom. His work challenges viewers to look beyond the obvious and engage with the abstract elements of his photographs. This perspective aligns with the broader trend in contemporary art, where abstraction allows for a more personal and subjective interpretation of the artwork.

About the Exhibition

Featured Artists

• Mohamed Bengriba
• Marco Carnaroli
• Estelle Choe
• Aitor Izaguirre Ansa
• Olga Loschinina
• Chet B. Simpson
• Wallace

Exhibition Overview

"Illumination: An Exhibition of Fine Art Photography" at Agora Gallery brings together six artists with diverse storytelling approaches. The exhibition features:

• Landscape Photographers: One artist transforms landscapes with fantastical perspectives, while another captures the harmony between land and its human inhabitants.
• Symbolic Imagery: A photographer explores modern themes of consumerism and health issues through symbolic imagery.
• Abstract Photographers: Two artists use exposure and saturation to create textured, abstract works.
• Urban Life: Two photographers portray cars and buildings as dynamic, living entities.

This exhibition is a testament to the versatility and creativity in contemporary digital photography, offering viewers a chance to experience unique perspectives and narratives.

Interesting Stats and Facts

• Digital Photography Growth: The global digital photography market is expected to grow from $79.12 billion in 2020 to $149.98 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 10.4% (Source: Mordor Intelligence).
• Art Market Trends: The global art market was valued at $50.1 billion in 2020, with online sales reaching a record high of $12.4 billion, accounting for 25% of the market (Source: Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report).
• Photography as Art: According to a survey by Artsy, 70% of collectors believe that photography is a significant and valuable form of contemporary art (Source: Artsy).

Conclusion

Mohamed Bengriba’s work is a compelling exploration of light, contrast, and abstraction. His upcoming exhibition at Agora Gallery offers a unique opportunity to experience his innovative approach to digital photography. Whether you are an art enthusiast or a casual observer, Bengriba’s vivid and abstract creations are sure to captivate and inspire.

For more information on the exhibition and to view Bengriba’s work, visit the Agora Gallery website.