TITLE: L.A. Minimal

This series, “L.A. Minimal” explores the interplay of light, shadow, and form within the stark, unadorned beauty of black and white photography. My intention is to distill everyday scenes into their essential elements, revealing a quiet poetry in the overlooked. The subjects—a pair of seagulls mirrored on the reflective surface of the beach; the stark, geometric interruption of a diagonal wall slicing through a serene line of palm trees; a solitary cyclist navigating the stark white lines of an asphalt expanse; the abstract dance of sunlight and shadow within the mundane confines of a men’s room; and the graphic poetry of agave shadows cast upon a textured stucco wall—are chosen for their inherent graphic qualities and the subtle narratives they suggest. I invite the viewer to engage more deeply with composition, texture, and contrast, finding a profound sense of presence and contemplation in these pared-down moments.

AUTHOR: Eric Renard (United States)

Eric M Renard (www.ericrenardphotography.com) is one of California’s Leading contemporary Fine Art Photographers. His passion for photography was ignited at Tufts University in Boston, where he studied under Siegfried Halus. After graduating, Eric went to San Francisco and worked as an architectural real estate photographer before moving to Los Angeles.

Eric’s 2023 exhibition, titled Urbanity, explores the modern world through black & white photography, though he is equally well-known for his distinctive color work reflecting classic California images. “This mostly black and white exhibition focuses on high contrast, urban cityscapes which reflect an eerie sense of peace and tranquility,” said Renard about the new work. “The landscape is the hero here, with the people in them subject to the power of their surroundings”.

Eric’s photography has found its way into art galleries in London, Budapest, New York, Texas, Oregon, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut and across California. His photography has received numerous Best of Show awards and has been published in both books and photography magazines, including the cover of Black & White magazine. He is also on the board of directors for several non-profit art organizations in Los Angeles, helping to organize and promote local art exhibits.