Untitled (Hood 6) 2018

Here we have "Untitled (Hood 6)" by John Edmonds. It's a photograph, and it looks like it's made by way of close observation. The way Edmonds works with light and shadow reminds me of the Old Masters, but there's something contemporary about his vision. The texture of the hoodie is so detailed, you can almost feel the fabric. And the grey, it's not just grey, is it? It's a whole world of greys, a symphony of subtle tones that shift and change depending on the light. Look how the fabric folds, and how light falls and pools in the hood. There's a kind of quietness here, a meditative quality. I think of the work of Robert Mapplethorpe. Both artists share an interest in the body, and are pushing the boundaries of portraiture. Both explore themes of identity, desire, and representation.