john kosmopoulos a.k.a. kozology :: forms in frozen motion

A selection of photos by John Kosmopoulos a.k.a. kozology

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@rchitecture

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gehry peeling onions

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Flag For The Innocent

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Vavavavoom

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Vulvan

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Pornography for Futurologists

– Hello, John. How would you describe this set of images?

– First, I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to present some of my work at the Red Square Gallery. I think that the choices you made for the gallery speak of forms in frozen motion, what Goethe called “frozen music” and what I like to call “Euclid’s Jazz”– the chaotic harmonics of geometry that are represented in the architecture of Gehry (the first two photos) and even Gaudi. There is also an erotic quality to your choices given that one image is entitled “Vulvan” and the other “Pornography for Futurologists”. I like to give my photos interesting titles. I feel that photos are somehow incomplete without titles similar to songs and paintings. Perhaps every artist strives to represent the core of humanity’s themes of life and creation, sex and survival, death and immortality in one way or another. I just enjoy taking photos and seeing what happens.


– As a photographer, what do you find interesting about urban environments and architecture? what attracts your visual attention?

– I am fascinated by the geometry, symmetry and abstract nature of any urban ecology. When I analyze architecture, I tend to dissect structures and compose them in my own mathematical alchemy of angles, light, time and space. My analysis often runs counter to the intention and function of the urban landscape. This is my way of harmonizing the city in the way that I envision it. I often critique city planners as a photographer for their lack of vision in creating aesthetically pleasing spaces to live in. Architecture often offers the music and photography offers the lyrics click by click – the unique signature of the photographer.


– Which other photographic styles do you like besides architectural and urban photography?

– I like abstracting anything and everything whether it is nature, people or architecture. I am guided by an “eclectic aesthetic” philosophy of photography as a means of educating my eyes to see the world with a different purpose – to find beauty in anything. I find it more challenging to find something almost raw or esoteric about a subject as if I am discovering its arcanum – its secret, hidden wisdom – than taking a shot that many have taken before (although we all take these shots for posterity). This may seem romantic but I believe that it is the impulse of every photographer who is passionate about his or her craft. I also like minimalist and monochrome compositions; they offer the essence of a scene while giving the viewer a sense of timelessness.


– What motivates you to be busy with photography, what is your goal as a photographer?

– Photography offers me a sense of therapeutic mindfulness and forgetfulness at the same time. I often focus intensely on a subject and forget the world around me. I become a solipsistic nomad when it comes to photography. I like wandering and discovering without a real goal in mind. When the stress of everyday life hits me, I often resort to the things that bring me solace – photography is one of those things. I live an extremely busy life with family, friends, work and play. My life is filled with science but has become fulfilled by art. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Social media has offered me a chance to meet new people with similar interests that have become friends. That is priceless to me.


– Do you have a ‘dream location’ where you would like to take photos? which city would you like to visit for a photo session?

– I have many, but I have always wanted to go to Iceland and Tokyo. I have explored many parts of Europe and North America (which I love to do) but I am looking for an “off-kilter” experience with fellow photographers in bewildering locations.


– What is your favorite camera?

– I have a Canon Rebel T3i and I love it! It is my first real DSLR. I have given my camera a name – “Lola” – now you know. I strongly believe that it is the person holding the camera not the camera itself that makes the difference.


– Did you publish any photo books and where do you expose your works on internet?

– I have published a few minimalist abstract photos in Fotoblur Magazine Issue 10 and several photos and texts in the Barcelona-based Y Sin Embargo magazine. I have also published a photo in a Zen calendar in 2010 that was distributed across Europe. A UK architecture magazine also published a photo of mine of a building in the financial district of Toronto. My work has also been featured in galleries on Flickr and in Alan Wilson’s (Azurebumble) Aesthetic Investigations. I have yet to write a blog or put together a Blurb book but I hope to one day. My work can also be found on Google+ , Flickr, 500px and Fotoblur.