The relationship between photographer and subject, or between the photographer's subjects, is always a source of mystery and speculation. It encourages us to think about our own encounters with otherness, the way we see or are seen when a camera is present, or the way the camera makes those unaware of our looking seem to be revealing themselves in new and unexpected ways. This particular body of work explores such encounters within our media-saturated and image-filled environment. I am particularly interested in the complex interplay between photographer, viewer, and subject in the context of the ubiquitous commercial and iconic images that define our cultural space.

Bob Gates studied photography at the University of Iowa School of Art while completing his Ph.D. in English, after which he joined the English Department at Syracuse University. His photographs have won awards in regional and national contests, have appeared in group, individual, and juried exhibitions, and have been published in PhotoLife, The Photo Review, Photographic, Aperture, The Best of Photography Annual, f-stop, Diffusion, Stone Canoe, and File.

For more information: bobgatesphoto.com bgates@syr.edu