EYELEVEL BQE Presents ‘Time for Print’

A collection of portraits from website Model Mayhem by Brooklyn-based photographer Emiliano Granado.

Artist Opening Reception Saturday March 12, 2011

The Photography of Emiliano Granado examines the cult of celebrity in popular culture. Now Eyelevel BQE is proud to present this series of portraits from a 3-year study of the Photography social networking site “Model Mayhem.”

It was Andy Warhol who predicted a future of fame for all, albeit for 15 minutes, and now with the growth of sites such as Model Mayhem, a social network which connects up and coming photographers with self proclaimed models, the prophecy is fast upon us. Dissipating the hierarchies and selective processes of model agencies, Model Mayhem asks for only 4 photographs from applicants to begin an online profile and currently has over half a million “models” available for shoots. Once connected, the understanding between the photographer and model is often that no money change hands, instead the models give their “time for print,” whereby the photographer provides the model with an agreed number of prints from the session in return for the model’s time, with the purpose of building both parties’ portfolio.

Photographer Emiliano Granado first became fascinated with the site in 2005 and over that last 3 years he has compulsively shot hundreds of hopefuls in the hope of discovering what makes these individuals so eager to be photographed. Emilio began by posting casting calls for models on the site to see who and what would materialize, he utilized a democratic casting process, often based on availability, location and nothing more. Emiliano gave very little direction,and often no explanation of the purpose of the shoot, he allowed the subject to bring their own ideas in terms of clothing, set and poses.

“It was important to get a sense of who they were and how they representing themselves” Says Emilio. “One of my goals was to try to understand the fascination with Celebrity and exhibition. After four years of working on this project, and I’m still not sure I understand. My interest in other peoples’ obsession with being seen, is very much alive”

These arrestingly honest and beautiful portraits are sometimes uncomfortable themselves in the role of ‘model’ the portraits also subtly expose a truth about each subject; as if by trying so hard to be something, the models inadvertently reveal their true selves. The exhibition questions the conventions of photography and beauty, and holds up a mirror to an Internet generation’s obsession with celebrity and being photographed.

Originally from Argentina, Emiliano Granado now lives and works in Brooklyn,NY. His work consistently revolves around an examination of Popular Culture. He has exhibited in various group shows and has worked for many international clients.

CJ Donoghue