Brian Riley is a keen observer of the world and its organic diversity. His work focuses on commonplace biological objects. He sees these 'subjects' in his photographs as meditations on stillness. State of mind, specifically the Asian notion of ‘no mind’ is central to understanding his work. Riley writes, “I use the tools of balance, texture, composition, and lighting to focus my energy and my intuition toward creating a balance… that will resonate this stillness to others.” Riley sometimes works directly from nature gathering elements that have a specific interest to him. Other times, he builds miniature sets in his studio to create a parallel structure to one he has either seen or imagined. The backgrounds in his photographs are black night skies and in this stillness and darkness his objects assume a magical power. In their totemic presentations, we lose track of the actual size and delicacy of what is presented. The objects, be they plants, flowers, wasp’s nests, mushrooms, or minerals assert themselves with both weight and formality. They exist in the present and are removed from all constraints of time.
Brian Riley has exhibited work In New York and in Paris since 1995. He has exhibited with the gallery previously and in addition to corporate commissions, has been published in numerous international magazines devoted to art and photography.
