Chris May’s work in photographic abstraction invites the viewer question the way we see things through our perception of space, colour, reflection, shadow and light. His approach to this genre is in some ways a paradox, as he subtracts the formal principles of representation, time and place in order to come closer to what is unseen.
Influences from his past experience as a graphic designer and art director are clearly evident as he strives for some form of exactitude or minimalist precision. Most of his work is carried out in a studio-based environment however, the process is multi layered. The act of composing and building the abstract is separate from the camera or the photograph. It is an instinctive process that anticipates how light will respond and where shadow will speak louder than the darkness itself. Through this process of construction, the form and line develop intuitively revealing intriguing facets, reflections and mixtures of colour as though freshly discovered.
Often utilising overlooked, found, or collected materials he brings these elements together, using them out of their original context as they transpose into compelling abstract forms. Occasionally he will pull back to the bigger picture but that intimacy of abstraction still fascinates him, inviting himself, and ultimately the viewer, to wonder what lies beyond the surface view.
May has participated in numerous group exhibitions, most recently at CCP Salon 2022 where his entry won for Most Original Work. Three of his pictures are currently held in the Victorian Libraries Heritage Archives. Chris May is currently completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography at PSC Melbourne, before heading towards his Master’s degree in the not too distant future.
Chris May lives and works in Melbourne.
All works © Chris May