Meet the Hot Shots : Matthew Tischler

Your name
Matthew Tischler
Your Age
27
Where are you from
Forest Hills (Queens), NY
Where do you live now?
NYC (Midtown, East Side)
Artist's Statement
Technology has had an enormous impact on our perception of the world. Aside from the practical and pragmatic functions of computers in our time, the digital revolution has created a certain modern aesthetic, which trickles down into all aspects of society. Although I do not currently choose to employ digital tools to create art, I do want to reference this technology in order to illustrate how it is fiercely pervasive in our culture. Therefore, while all of my photographs are traditionally printed from 35mm negatives and chromes, I want the work to reflect this computer aesthetic. By photographing through window screens, netting, and scrims, I create abstract canvases. The effect of these grids and barriers is such that images are divided, pixelated, and filtered. Subjects and figures are broken apart and reconstructed in such a way that they are both integrated into their environment and isolated within it. None of the subjects in my photographs have any discernable facial features or characteristics. The grid that is imposed over each tableau subjugates their identities. Richly saturated colors and flattened space create alluring vistas, resembling video stills.
Which artists inspire you? (Not necessarily photographers.)
Adam Fuss, Carrie Mae Weems, Andreas Gursky, John Pfahl, Sandy Skoglund, Paul Klee, George Seurat, Egan Schiele, Frida Kahlo.
Describe that moment when you knew for sure that photography was something you wanted to pursue seriously.
I was standing under a scaffold in Florence, Italy trying to avoid the rain. I had my trusty camera with me and I began snapping shots of people passing by. Something clicked...no, not the shutter...something in me.
What kind of camera do you use?
Minolta X 500.
What's your favorite beverage?
Daytime: Gatorade (this is not an official product endorsement)
After 5: A dirty Bombay Sapphire Martini (this is an offical product endorsement)
What's your favorite movie?
Classic: L'Aventurra (Antonioni)
Contemporary: Dogville(Von Trier)
What's your Favorite Museum?
Musee d'Orsay
Where do you want to go on your dream vacation?
Relaxing: Costa Rica
Exciting: Australia
What's the last CD you listened to?
Love Is Here Starsailor
What are you reading now?
Timequake - Kurt Vonnegut
What's your favorite season?
Fall
Favorite color?
Blue
What's your favorite food?
Sushi
Do you have an interesting/obscure hobby? If so, tell us about it.
Taxidermy [Ed note: For real?]
It's Saturday night. Are you going out or staying in? I'm going out...of my mind.

Comments

[sohbet]

Thank you very much for this incredibly well written editorial!