Interview with Amir Chodorov — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Cubism was created when Picasso and Braque introduced a third dimension in their impressionist paintings. Inspired by African sculptures, cubist artists represented all dimensions of reality by showing the various angles of an object. Unaware of that, since his childhood Chodorov embarked on a similar journey through the lens of his camera.As far as I can remember, I have always carried my camera for at least 40 years, trying to build emotional statements through powerful images to capture physical reality.

The results go well beyond traditional impressionism, as Chodorov also captured the fourth dimension: he condensed time. You might not be able to tell at first glance, but his technique gathers a juxtaposition of images of the same object, bringing dynamism and a variety of angles to quotidian landscapes, people and places. According to Chodorov;In a world where everybody has a cell phone camera and almost 2 billion pictures are taken every single day, I am not satisfied with one and simple picture only. When we are looking at an urban scene, we see more than one frame at a time and I wanted to make sure that my work captures that moment and keeps it alive. I am using a special technique where I combine 20 to 50 frames in one photography.

I try to encapsulate the full story of places and objects surrounding us and I am also trying to create excitement for the observer. The inspiration for my technique also came by studying the work of the great masters of the Renaissance and later, such as Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, and others who created large works of art that could be observed for hours, where we could always find new elements and details constantly. I am fascinated by the challenge of re-creating a special connection between millions of people and the locations where they pass through every day, usually without noticing the beauty of details. The purpose of my art is achieved when I manage to create an emotional impact and a reflection between people and the reality around them says Chodorov.

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts? and your first experience in art making?

Exposure to photography began for me at 17, wanting me to bring what my eyes see and what the brain translates into a perfect visual image. Since then, I have been engaged in the art of photography with constant passion and creativity.

How would you describe yourself and your artwork?

The interpretation of the term urbanica in the vocabulary of the artist Amir Chodorov, is linked to a different and additional aspect of his artistic creation. He is looking for the misunderstood and the unknown and in spite of the photographed elements which are known and familiar to us, the artist raises questions whether the photographed location is indeed familiar to us. Chodorov is true to himself as an artist and trusts the unique path he has taken. He uses his camera as another limb of his body, another arm, another brain. He strives to achieve originality and uniqueness.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Most of my influence comes from the Renaissance artists, who brought whole worlds and different subjects into huge paintings that on one hand depicted a wide world, and on the other went down to small, precise details. To me they were the photographers of the time, the effect is quite evident in my photography.

What emotions do you hope the viewers experience when looking at your art?

Being a photographer for me is a kind of creation. Every object exists out there for a long time but my goal is to bring the beauty, power, and something that "on the way" you were never going to see - what I call - "To create narrative Beyond the lens.

When do you know that an artwork is finished ?

In the external encounter of what has been received, and on the emotional side I feel a perfect connection to the work I created.

What has been the most exciting moment in your art career so far?

The winning of the 1st prize at "London art biennale" 2019.

How long does it take to produce one work?

Creating a job starts with planning what I want to get, visiting a photography site can sometimes be 4 and 5 visits.

Site Photography From 50 to 350 photos that will be assembled I like a puzzle into one perfect piece. The computer connection process can take two to three weeks for each job.

What exciting projects are you working on right now?

The project I am working on now is synagogue photography.

I was asked by one of the largest municipalities in Israel to prepare 37 photographic works on the ancient and important synagogues in the history of the State of Israel. An exciting project that forces me to deepen the knowledge and understanding of the history of the Jewish people