CHRIS SCHIAVO       Artists Statement    

The Back Yard is a series of color photographs which take a humorous look at the compact worlds and eccentricities created by the human presence within these tiny plots of Nature.

Each image is created by incorporating specifically constructed outdoor installations within existing environments which disintegrate over time and Nature.

Working with a sensibility as much akin to painting as photography, the photographed environments are manipulated and enhanced on site with painted light and shadows, bright colors, exaggerated flora and fauna, carefully positioned props and live presences.

Mysterious tableaus of fractured narratives transform common backyards into personalized, emotionally charged hyper-realities built of childhood memories and adult longings.

At once eerie and familiar, the photographs offer a timeless glimpse of an American scene.

* All photographs are chromeogenic prints. The images are not painted upon or created with the use of computer manipulations or digital enhancements.

THE BACK STORY ...

The "Back Yard" series of color photographs was created over a span of twelve years, in various locations in Queens, New York.
The original negatives went missing before fully completed editions were able to be printed. What existed of the original printed series was unfortunately limited and for the most part, the work had been filed to memory.

Recently, a large number of the original negatives and vintage prints, have been recovered. For the first time in fifteen years, a completed edition of the 'Back Yard' is now available for exhibitions and sales.
Prints can be purchased singly, or in special portfolios of larger suites.
A limited amount of original Vintage Prints are also available by request.
For editions, sizes and prices, please contact: info@chrisschiavo.com

* Additional work by CHRIS SCHIAVO can be seen by contacting the artist at info@chrisschiavo.com