Born in Illinois, raised in Denver and ‘schooled’ in New York, photographer Austin Green has been photographing subjects in the city and from around the world since 2004. Green’s work focuses on capturing the spontaneous, personal and often private moments we seldom realize or reveal to others. Inspired by his days in the kaleidoscope of New York clubland many of his subjects defy the conventions of beauty. These alluring creatures blur the lines of gender roles and sexual convention. Yet each possess an intangible essence that demands the viewers attention. This dichotomy is what created the artist moniker, Brutal Beautiful.
“Though I would not consider my work ‘brutal’ in the physical sense, I believe my aim is more to capture images that are brutally honest. Works that capture the truth of the moment.”
A private artist himself, Green’s personal work reveals the intimate, sexual, vulnerable and introspective side to his subjects and at times himself. Photographing subjects and close personal friends often opting to shoot them in their own personal space to shed pretense. While his nightlife work transports you to 2am.
He is especially drawn to B&W photography explaining “in many ways I find it can be more ‘colorful’ and richly detailed then working in color. I spent many of my early years pouring over the pages of books from photography masters like Helmut Newton, George Platt Lynes. I am also greatly inspired by the immediacy and intimate nature of Nan Goldin’s work. In my opinion, these artists work invite the viewer into private moments with their subjects and compel you to address the context is set forth. This is a quality I strive for in all my work.”
Green currently lives and works in Harlem NY shooting personal projects as well as fashion, music and nightlife. As always he can never resist a ‘beautiful’ face. He is currently at work on his first gallery exhibition for Spring 2014 titled He Never Comes Home chronicling the mental and emotional stages of loneliness and isolation. Dates are still TBA. Fashion submissions continue.
Additionally, Green works regularly with live music and independent artists like Jogyo, Virginaire and more.
