Photographer Matthew Vasilescu is entering a new realm with the opening of his exhibition It's Not About Your Bike at the Blank Space Gallery in Surry Hills from April 9.

After professionally capturing people and places around the world for more than 20 years, Vasilescu has finally combined his two passions to tell the stories of ordinary men who love their motorcycles.

"It's about these guys as motorcycle riders - how they relate to their bike and how their motorcycle relates to them. Each uses their bike in a very different way."

So enthusiastic were his subjects about the shoot, Vasilescu had to constantly reiterate that the project was "not about their bike, but about them". In fact, not every one of his subjects has his own bike. The employee of a motorcycle accessories shop - the inspiration for the exhibition - had his stolen. Another hasn't ridden for more than five years because he's working on his bike in his garage. It was the passion that inspired Vasilescu, who is known to arrive at a shoot with his camera equipment packed on to the sides of his Ducati Monster S4Rs.

Photographic agent Mari Vendrame, who was mentoring Matthew at the time, suggested he present his works to the public. The exhibition - his first - also marks his foray into the world of high-end creativity.

"I am furthering my creative outlet by targeting high-end editorial and ad agencies where I can be more involved in the process of creating images and treatments," says Vasilescu, who worked in newspapers and magazines before launching Matthew Vasilescu Photography (formerly OzbecMedia) in 2001.

Evident in Vasilescu's work is his obsession with creating images that are textural and organic which, when combined with strong composition, evoke emotional responses. "I want my images to etch themselves into the viewer's memory and remain there long after the shutter has closed."

Vasilescu was inspired to shoot the series when he spotted the burley employee of a Sydney motorcycle accessories shop checking out a customer's bike. "I'd never spoken to this guy before, and I must say, he was a little intimidating. But with the same rush of adrenalin I get from riding, I knew I had found the perfect photographic project."

Each one of the 12 exhibited images is framed by a motorcycle chain.Matthew Vasilescu's exhibition It's Not About Your Bike is the culmination of more than 20 years professional photographic experience. Vasilescu started his corporate-media-PR agency Matthew Vasilescu Photography in 2001 after a decade working in print media. Clients have included the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (The Rocks Aroma Festival and Darling Harbour Fiesta) and St John Ambulance NSW (almost 10 years).

 Vasilescu is working on a new exhibition, which departs from the motorcycle world, but keeps with the theme of asking ordinary people to open their lives to the public through photography.

 It's Not About Your Bike:  9-15 April 2011, Friday-Tuesday, 11am-6pm | Blank Space Gallery, 374 Crown Street, Surry Hills | Entry: free | Official opening: 4-6pm, Saturday April 9

 

 

Author: ACMP