Introduction & Navigation
I grew up with film cameras and switched to digital systems in the mid-2000s. While the tools have changed, one of my photographic goals has not--to try to get others to see, think or feel what I experienced when I captured a scene.
Most of the images you’ll see in the galleries are conventional photographs. But more recently, I added two galleries of photo-encaustic works. As is later described, photo-encaustic images combine traditional photography with centuries old encaustic techniques. They’re a tool, in this case, that can enhance your photographic vision…what you’re trying to convey
And for the past 10+ years, I’ve primarily focused on photographing and documenting Holocaust and genocide sites and the history behind them. I also explored ,and continue to cover, related sites and events, including the Manzanar Internment camp and the contemporary protest movement; the latter ranges from the North Dakota pipeline encampment to Black Lives Matter.
The driving forces behind these sites and events have a common link or underlying thread—the collision of race, politics and culture, with, at times, a bucketful of economics and evil intent thrown in the mix. In some cases, they fueled the protests; in more dire circumstances, they led to the construction of concentration camps, the desecration of sacred lands, to assaults, to enslavement and to murder. For these reasons and others, it’s important for us to continue our exploration of these subjects to evoke memories and to help ensure that they, and the lessons they carry, will never be forgotten.
Finally, the galleries also include contemporary views of regions where violence has occurred, including Kurdistan, Poland and the United States. But the chance to simply live one’s life may return.... people marry, meet and revisit their favorite restaurants, parks and coffee/tea houses. They're all part of the circle of life.
Yet, when we think such violence has ended, it may flare up. People may be assaulted because of their ethnicity, religious affiliation or other label. And this too, to our collective shame, is part of the circle...the part that must be shattered.
Michael Mirabito
thetorphotography@gmail.com
Read MoreMost of the images you’ll see in the galleries are conventional photographs. But more recently, I added two galleries of photo-encaustic works. As is later described, photo-encaustic images combine traditional photography with centuries old encaustic techniques. They’re a tool, in this case, that can enhance your photographic vision…what you’re trying to convey
And for the past 10+ years, I’ve primarily focused on photographing and documenting Holocaust and genocide sites and the history behind them. I also explored ,and continue to cover, related sites and events, including the Manzanar Internment camp and the contemporary protest movement; the latter ranges from the North Dakota pipeline encampment to Black Lives Matter.
The driving forces behind these sites and events have a common link or underlying thread—the collision of race, politics and culture, with, at times, a bucketful of economics and evil intent thrown in the mix. In some cases, they fueled the protests; in more dire circumstances, they led to the construction of concentration camps, the desecration of sacred lands, to assaults, to enslavement and to murder. For these reasons and others, it’s important for us to continue our exploration of these subjects to evoke memories and to help ensure that they, and the lessons they carry, will never be forgotten.
Finally, the galleries also include contemporary views of regions where violence has occurred, including Kurdistan, Poland and the United States. But the chance to simply live one’s life may return.... people marry, meet and revisit their favorite restaurants, parks and coffee/tea houses. They're all part of the circle of life.
Yet, when we think such violence has ended, it may flare up. People may be assaulted because of their ethnicity, religious affiliation or other label. And this too, to our collective shame, is part of the circle...the part that must be shattered.
Michael Mirabito
thetorphotography@gmail.com
