masonry

Artwork by Mindzeye

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As I watched dawn break over the ancient city, I was mesmerized by what was in front of me. Matera may look like just another Italian town but its story is like no other. 

People have lived here for over 9000 years, making it the third oldest city in the world. Once referred to as the ‘Shame of Italy’, Matera has risen from its tragic, abandoned past and restored to a state befitting its ancient history and cavernous beginnings. Its story, and people, are a true testament of enduring strength and resilience.

As the lone person walked into my composition, I could almost hear him say, “this is my home, and I’m still here.”

The Lost City

Lonely nights, I know them well. I didn’t lock eyes with the man who crossed my path that night but perhaps I saw a projection of myself during darker times when I felt isolated and disconnected. It reminded me that even in a city as beautiful as Paris, you can still find yourself alone.

Rue Lamarck

Over the course of my photography career, I’ve spent many nights wandering the streets alone with my camera. Occasionally, a stranger and I will cross paths and unbeknownst to them, we will create art together. This is one of those moments from the streets of Montmartre in Paris.

Rue de l'Abreuvoir

Wandering around Montmartre in the middle of the night was a surreal experience for me. The streets were so quiet, I felt like I was transported back in time - to a neighbourhood once home to Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas and Monet. I imagined them sipping their coffees at Le Consulat while discussing their work as they disrupted the traditional art scene in France. Fast forward to today’s digital age, perhaps they would be proud of us all for shaking up the art world once again.

Rue Norvins

For a brief a moment on a rainy day in the streets of New York, this timeless scene revealed itself. I was fortunate to be able to capture it.

Once Upon a Time

As the storm rolled in, I peered down from one of the many monoliths in the big city. What started out as a bright and sunny day quickly turned into a dark and gloomy setting. Down below, its citizens were undaunted. With umbrellas clutched over them, I could almost hear the pitter-patter of their footsteps as they hopped over puddles and went about their business amongst the sounds of honking cabs splashing in the streets.  I couldn’t help but marvel at how New York’s spirit can be inspiring, even in its darkest days.

Dark Days

Along a narrow canal in a quiet corner of Venice, a lone gondola travels off into the night. Despite the sound of water breaking against the banks and church bells softly ringing in the distance, there is a calming sense of stillness. It’s in these moments when I can truly appreciate this timeless place. One that has undoubtedly been a constant inspiration for centuries, providing artists like myself with endless opportunities to capture the unique essence and mysterious draw of this historical, floating city.

La Serenissima

As dusk settles, the jagged horizon casts its lowly shadows over the city. The street lights ignite the roads like burning embers, illuminating the laneways and avenues in their warm glow. Down below, citizens pen the next page as their story unfolds. It’s in this moment when we learned that the city never sleeps, it only dreams.

Gotham

This is a personal favourite of mine from the Louvre Museum on a rainy evening. The first owner of this image will receive a 16"x20" print to hang on their wall. Contact me via email to arrange your print delivery. mindz.eye.contact@gmail.com.

Le Louvre

For a brief moment on a stormy afternoon in Prague, the skies parted and made way for some glorious afternoon light. In that time, I was able to capture one of my favourite images from this historic city.

Mala Strana

This is a time-blended composite I created in 2019. It has been shared countless times on the web and has experienced huge success and virality.  To create this image, I shot over a thousand photographs along California Street in San Francisco with my camera locked on this composition on a tripod. I then curated the images and meticulously blended my favourite moments of time together to produce this interpretation of my experience from that rainy afternoon. Part
of the Côte 2 Coast exhibition hosted by the 0x_Society. 15% of the proceeds go to 0x_Society.

A Rainy Day on California Street

I’m often intrigued by the mysterious nature of the subjects in my images. Their unknown stories allow me to create my own narratives and project the viewer into them. While shooting this image in the streets of Gdansk, I wondered where the lone man was heading. Perhaps it’s this curiosity that draws me in and propels me to capture these enigmatic photographs.

Solitude

Paris is one of most beautiful cities in the world, full of rich history and stunning neo-classical architecture. Shortly after sunrise on a crisp Spring morning, I challenged myself to capture a unique image that embodied the city’s nickname, The City of Light. As the sun rose, the light brushed everything before me, creating a golden glow that forced me to pause for a moment, and take it all in.

La Ville Lumière

All things conspired to lead me here, to this particular place and time. Lovers caught in a warm embrace. Serendipity.

Serendipity

This is one of my favourite images from Prague featuring the Charles Bridge during morning twilight. 



Medieval Dusk Edition of 10

This is an image shot right before a massive downpour in Prague, Czech Republic. The sunlight contrasted  against the dark storm clouds and perfectly highlighted the colourful rooftops and Prazský Hrad.

Prazský Hrad Edition of 15

They say inspiration comes in many forms and this piece is an ode to my late grandfather, Mickey Katz. He was an avid impressionist oil painter who had a keen eye for composition, colour and storytelling. His incredible and unique paintings adorned the walls of my childhood home and in many ways, though unbeknownst to me then, greatly influenced my style as an artist and photographer.

Looking back, I found myself drawn to a specific painting he had created entitled ‘Chinatown by Night’. It depicted a solitary figure walking down a dark alley lined by warehouses and buildings, some of which cast a soft glow of warm light. This particular piece always resonated, the contrast evoking a sense of loneliness, sadness and despair. Feelings I easily related to during an earlier time in my life.

Since becoming a photographer, I was in constant search for the composition and conditions that would conjure those same emotions I felt from viewing that painting. One could argue that a good portion of my photography refle

An Ode

Walking along the historical city streets in the warm glow of the afternoon light, this scene reminded me of how a photograph can create a bridge through time. In this case, a glimpse into old New York. Surrounded by a hopeful energy for better days ahead, one can’t help but reflect on how far it has all come.

Staple Street

Made my way to an empty plaza at the Piazza del Duomo in Florence before sunrise. Wasn’t quite sure what I would get but I waited patiently as the sun rose above the horizon, its glow piercing through the alleyways and drenching the streets of this beautiful, medieval city. And then I saw him, a Florentine stranger on his bike, likely making his way to work. For an instant, under the shadow of the Duomo, I was able to freeze his fleeting silhouette against the rising light.

Firenze

Toronto is the city where Michael was born and raised, and is the city he still calls home. It's where he first picked up a camera and started down the path that turned him into a full-time photographer. He was initially fascinated with street photography and the idea of capturing a fleeting moment of time. This evolved into creating a unique style that is undeniably his. For Michael and his camera, it all started in Toronto.

The Senator #7/14

Shortly after first picking up a camera, Michael took a trip to New York specifically to work on his craft. As he shot throughout the city, he found new inspiration from the energy and buzz of the sprawling Metropolis. Random moments propelled him to keep going, day to night, capturing scenes that caught his attention. Realizing he had found a true love for photography, it was here in New York where he decided to make it his career.

Metropolis #6/7

Poland is home to Michael's ancestors, the birthplace of both his paternal and maternal great grandparents. His photography journey began in Toronto and eventually took him on his first trip to Poland (represented here by Gdańsk) where he worked with the Tourism Board. When his passion and work had finally led him to Poland, he knew his family would be proud.

The Old Town by Day #1/249

As night falls in Poland, Michael picks up his camera and hits the shutter button. 

*click*

That's the sound of pride as Michael captures a shot in his iconic style, knowing that his family is proud of him.

The Old Town by Night #11/64

As the sun sets along the Canal, a lone gondolier basks in its last light. For him, this is the end of a long day’s work. Through my eyes, he’s part of a grander scene - one that quintessentially showcases an historical city suspended in time.