Selfscapes
Shakespeare’s admonition “This above all: To thine own self
be true” means all the more to me as I get older. I have been observing and
photographing my changing body for the past several years. The “Bodyscapes”
shown here are part of several series of “Selfscapes” and constitute a very direct and visceral
approach to externalizing my inner states by capturing my external self. I also
want to distinguish these self-studies from “selfies” by using monochrome
abstraction, and at times, pictorialist touches. I am inviting the viewer to
reflect on his or her own internal and external processes and changes, and on the
connections between them. My ongoing self-depictions present interpretations of
an ever-adapting being in an ever-changing world.
Artist Bio:
Fine art photographer Gerhard “Gerry” Clausing was already fascinated by
photography as a youngster, initially using a simple “Bilora Boy” camera, and
gradually acquiring a keener vision and better equipment as time went by.
Gerry earned a Ph.D. in literature and linguistics at UC Berkeley, and
launched his academic career at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Continuing on his journey toward tenured full professor with administrative
appointments at the University of Southern California, his interest in
photography grew alongside his numerous academic achievements. Newspapers
including the Swiss Tages-Anzeiger and book
publishers, from Houghton Mifflin to Heinle/Thompson, showcased a variety of
his images in Sunday supplements and university textbooks, including three of
his own innovative educational programs (Deutsch natürlich!, Interaktion, Übergänge).
The vibrant Southern California community inspired Gerry to further his
visual studies at Otis Art Institute, Brooks Institute, and the Los Angeles
Center of Photography. He used his images in his administrative
activities as well as in his teaching, especially in his drama performance
courses, providing motivation and feedback for his students. Gerry has received
encouragement and mentoring from several outstanding photographers, especially
from Gerd Ludwig, David Alan Harvey, Douglas Kirkland, Mary Ellen Mark, Peter
Bialobrzeski, Julia Dean, Ken Merfeld, and Aline Smithson.
To contact Gerhard Clausing directly:
Web | Email
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