Arno Rafael Minkkinen

[SuzanneR]

Just saw a show of his work at the DeCordova Museum outside Boston. He combines the figure (usually his own) within landscapes resulting in some very striking images. They are surreal, have a wonderful sense of scale, and are beautifully printed. He contorts his lanky, and clearly, very flexible body into positions that are hard to figure. Despite the 'how'd he do that?' aspect, the work is well worth seeing if you are in the area. Don't miss a small side gallery on his process.

Of course, his pictures succeed partly becuase he has such lovely feet!

Go see it if you can.

www.decordova.org

 

[SuzanneR]

More of his images here...

www.robertkleingallery.com

 

[Struan Gray]

Mee too.

www.arnorafaelminkkinen.org

The photos with his son are a delight.

 

[Kerik]

I've been a fan of his work for years. I stumbled on his book Waterline at a used bookstore and was immediately taken by his work. Glad to see him getting more recognition.

 

[Jorge]

Yes, he has wonderful creativity, always liked his work too.....

 

[david b]

I was lucky enough to meet him a few years back and to see a slide show at the Santa Fe workshops. The guy is very creative and very good at what he does.

He used to work for Minolta and was the creator of the slogan "From the Minds of Minolta..."

 

[PhotoPete]

I saw that same show at the DeCordova...he must do yoga six hours a day to get into some of those positions...

 

[Ara Ghajanian]

I just saw the exhibit yesterday and was definitely inspired by him and his work. He teaches at UMASS Lowell where my girlfriend is a student and she may be taking a class with him in the future. She has met him and says that he is the kindest man. After seeing the video presentation during the exhibit, I was thinking the same thing. He is VERY revealing about his technique; very unusual for a photographer. It's almost like he's saying "this is how I do it, now try to do it yourself".

I agree, PhotoPete, he must do yoga, no question of it.
Ara

 

[bjorke]

Minkinnen also taught at Vevey in Switzerland until the admins got out of control and most foreign faculty left.

Minkinne was on PBS's "Egg" and you may still be able to find the video online -- him dipping into freezing water with a self-timer etc

 

[Ara Ghajanian]

Minkinnen was on PBS's "Egg" and you may still be able to find the video online -- him dipping into freezing water with a self-timer etc

I believe that was the video they were showing at the exhibit. Really great, everyone should check it out.
Ara