Mattapoisett artist Eric Frazer wasn’t sure what direction in life to pursue. He tried several avenues but when he received a camera for his 21st birthday, it was instant karma.
Frazer graduated from the New England School of Photography in 2013. Since that time, he has been experimenting with the photographic art form.
His latest collection titled “Without a Face” demonstrates Frazer’s breakthrough use of the camera to create blended pieces of portrait art. His models are a group of artists from various walks of life such as an oil painter, dancer, and rapper. By not showing their facial features or focusing on another part of their bodies that conveys their art form, Frazer has created something completely new.
Frazer admits to dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder and in one piece titled “Surrounded,” he uses that to help convey how the condition can dominate a person’s life. He also shared in his introductory documentation that he hopes that image “helps raise awareness” and “provide understanding for those who face this and other mental health challenges.”
It is Frazer’s desire to use photography in new and emerging ways that excites him.
“I never want to repeat myself,” said Frazer. He said that artists who have creative breakthroughs, creating something never seen, heard, or experienced before, would have their newer works compared to those seminal creations. That doesn’t bother him.
Frazer’s passion in this genre and interest in exploring the camera’s boundaries and beyond will keep his work moving in directions yet to be found he believes.
An opening reception at the Mattapoisett Public Library was held for Frazer’s art installation on May 7. The works will be on display for the next several weeks.
By Marilou Newell
