above : The Jungle , Inkjet on vinyl mesh right : Sunrise , silver gelatin contact print of a beach towel
For Dierdorff , the theme of presenting a simulation of the authentic is a culmination of his past work . In his 2010 series , Trophy , he appropriated images of hunters holding their large game and removed the human element from the photos , leaving the haunted animals suspended in mid air . For his next show , considering land and wildlife management , Dierdorff is working on an installation that will include golden groundbreaking ceremonial shovels engraved with text . These shoves are inspired by the images of businessmen in suits holding the tools in a very specifi c way . These ceremonies are performed in order to produce an image to hang on an offi ce wall . Instead of recreating the photographs , Dierdorff is choosing to display the most important element of the photo , the golden shovel .
As a contemporary photographer , Brooks Dierdorff creates art inspired by photographic imagery , but the end result is rarely something that would traditionally be called a photograph . Even with his traditional imagery , Dierdorff challenges the viewer to
Wildlife Management Unit ( South ), toned silver gelatin print , sugar
look at imagery in a new way . With Surface Conditions , he takes a print soaked in water and places it on a sheet of glass leaned against the wall . Because the image is coated with water , it sticks to the glass , but over time the water will dry up and the image will fall . When it does , the process is repeated over again . The inconsistency and unpredictability of the piece creates a unique experience for every viewer — some see the image freshly placed upon the glass , and others may witness it lying on the fl oor . Some viewers may even stay and witness an entire cycle of the piece .
Through his heavily researched series of works , Dierdorff presents informative art with a fresh perspective . With an overstimulation of imagery , it is important to create awareness as we view not only art , but also life around us . Dierdorff strives to create critical thinking though his work , which offers a new perspective on the redundancy of nature photography . Through his work , he exposes the artifi cial treatment of nature through advertising , media , and even in national and state parks that are assumed to be pure . Art plays an important role in how we view our world . By challenging the notions of traditional art , Dierdorff ’ s work encourages critical and independent thought about that world .
You can see more at : BrooksDierdorff . com
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