“I never really took photography seriously until I went totally blind.” That’s the world according to one extraordinarily talented photographer named Pete Eckert.
Eckert was recently announced the winner of the major photography competition, “Exposure,” hosted by Artists Wanted. And that was no ordinary feat—over the course of three months, Artists Wanted received hundreds of submissions from photographers, spanning 14 countries and every corner of the United States.
In the end, The New York Times Photo Editor Patrick Witty along with fashion icon Tiiu Kuik and New York City gallery owner David Kesting chose Eckert as the winner. Although the judges saw a variety of powerful work submitted, Eckert’s figurative work, featuring explosions of light that lend an almost abstract air to each piece, stood out.
“Many entrants had amazing back stories; however, it was Peter’s unique photography that stood out to the judges,” a press release issued by Artists Wanted stated. “Knowing his process deepens the experience with his photos, but the imagery on its own is simply stunning.”
Retinitis Pigmentosa Diagnosis
Eckert’s back story includes learning that he had Retinitis Pigmentosa from a doctor who coolly delivered the news and then left the room. Eckert didn’t learn he would eventually go completely blind until hearing a caller on a local San Francisco TV network ask about the condition. Eckert reacted to the realization about his Retinitis Pigmentosa quickly, carving out a life complete with a new home and new hobbies.
Unique Photography Begins
One day, he found his mother-in-law’s camera and began testing out its settings. He was hooked despite his lack of knowledge about film or manual cameras. He began taking the cameras out with him; his guide dog even learned the command, “Watch my toys.” (Eckert used the cue while out on night time excursions, especially after nearly being mugged.) “I am not bound by the assumptions of the sighted or their assumed limits,” he says. “The camera is another means of making art to me.”
That was the beginning of Eckert’s long road to developing what he calls his “sort of bash and crash style.” While Eckert does take feedback from sighted people into account, he still shoots all of his own images, develops the film, and creates his contact prints.
New York City Gallery Premiere
Culminating in what may very well be one of Eckert’s most elaborate showings, the “Exposure” competition win included an ambitious public display spanning the top art districts of New York City. His work was projected on a massive scale on buildings and rooftops within the Chelsea, Dumbo, and Williamsburg areas of New York City. It also included an opening at the Leo Kesting Gallery in New York.
“By memorizing the event of taking photos using sound and touch, I have a clear mind’s eye view of my work. I could do conceptual art by showing the contact sheets and do a write-up about the event of shooting the photos,” Eckert says. “This would eliminate sighted people from my process. I don’t. I want to interact with sighted people. I am trying to cut a path as a blind artist. By interacting with sighted people, I am building bridges.”
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