Soho Photo Gallery
15 White Street, New York, NY
October 2 - November 3, 2012
Wednesday-Sunday | 1-6 pm. and by appointment

Jean Nestares’ new work will be exhibited from October 2rd through November 3rd 2012 in the Soho Photo Gallery located in the trendy New York City neighborhood of TriBeca.

As in the past, the backbone of her work is movement. Jean re- interprets her "City and People" theme through a new medium as she explores alternative-printing processes. For Jean, photographs are far more than “point-and-shoot”. ArtNews Channel visited Jean in her New York studio. We are really astonished by her new way of working.

Jean tell us about your new work: "The Multiplex compositions are an assembly of photographic images transferred on artistic paper born to create a new image that is freely interpretable by each viewer. Each is one of akind. Through different transmutations, I reinvent and give these images a new energy, create new situations and ultimately the spectator is offered a different vision of the city. The dynamic between some of these pieces is really inspiring: when they are put together, they can be a powerful decorative ensemble!"

Why Soho Photo Gallery? “The gallery has helped me tremendously to increase the visibility of my work. Soho Photo Gallery opened its doors 41 years ago. At that time, photography was not as respected as an art form as it is today. Chalk, Lee Romero and several other New York Times photographers set out to change that, opening what has become the oldest member-run photo gallery in the city. My new work is a parallelism of the work that marks the 40th anniversary of the gallery which includes the work of seven of its founding members, striking 1970s black-and-white shots taken all over New York, from the Staten Island Ferry to a downtown pool hall.”

How do you feel when you are in the gallery? "Did you know that this gallery has a very interesting history?: the first-floor loft space was once part of an egg and poultry warehouse! From being an industrial space, it is now a space of creation. In order to create, the life of an artist can often be lonely. You’re shooting, writing, transferring, painting; you're at your computer. As photographers, we are always looking for that perfect shot—and hoping to show it— The Gallery is a hub where you get to meet and discuss the context of our work with fellow artists.... It is a community."

Jean, after 7 years in Paris how are you adapting to the fast paced New York life? Both cities have their distinctive personalities: one is poetic and charms you, the other is fast paced and virile: two very different types of energy that will always influence my work. An artist is inspired by his or her surroundings and the more you experience, the richer your work will be.

What’s next Jean? "More movement in photography. I am gathering some experimental material. That’s what really inspires me! I just came back from South Africa where the people there really touched me and let me see another perspective. My new work, after the Multiplex series will be bigger format photography based on my new experience."

What about your children books? "I am researching the information for my new story. Animals are again the main characters. Unfortunately I have two stories in my drawer that are still without illustrations for lack of time: one about a journey of an Egyptologist and another about a friendship between a bullfighter and a bull. These two stories are on standby. Right now I am creating a new story based in Africa. Let’s see if finally something comes out of this new idea! Once I will have the story, it will take some time to create great illustrations for the book. As with my previous children books, the illustrations will be inspired by my own photographic work.

As we leave, admiring the great city view from her 42nd floor studio, we ask her a last question: I’ll bet you get a lot of inspiration from this place… "It really has a special light and ever-changing scenery! when people come to visit, they themselves get the same energy and appreciation of this city view. New York will always give me that special brio to create! Definitely this studio is a great place to work!"

Jean Nestares will be at Soho Photo Gallery from October 2nd to November 3rd 2012. The gallery is located at 15 White Street. New York City.

Exhibition Opening: Oct 2nd at 6:00 p.m.
Soho Photo gallery hours: Wednesday-Sunday 1-6 p.m. and by appointment
Contact the artist: jeannestares@yahoo.com
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