Duane Michaels uses a very unique means of artistic thought to capture not moments, but emotions and deep thoughts of the human condition. Instead of photographing questions we all commonly ask, and instead of following traditional techniques and theories, Duane Michaels takes a photographic standpoint to capture real human emotion and form to describe the real human condition. A surreal artist, he does not call himself a photographer, but instead “An artist formerly known as a photographer.” And captures expression and real ideas that most may pass by if used to a “normal” stance on life.
The sequences Duane Michaels creates reflect human emotion and philosophy, as well as beauty and ugliness of people. The links shown through his art commonly show the evolution of an idea or a feeling, and they change as the sequences move on. He does not merely capture images, but conveys expressions as they develop through life. He shows the true meaning of what it is to be, and what it is to feel, and what it is to dream. His work does not convey a literal meaning, and to just look at his work would not tell you what you think about it. The deeper meanings are that of an advanced and very thoughtful creator, where one needs to open his mind and really feel, not just view, what is being depicted.
When I see his work, I feel greatly intrigued by the details and messages conveyed by very intricate and mysterious details though his work. I see the beauty, the sadness, the placement of the human element in the universe, and the delicateness of the human soul. I find his work to be some of the most beautiful that I have ever seen.
