Ori Gersht

Is it art? Is it photography?
I think it's up to the viewer to decide, but fine-art photographer Ori Gersht is turning both worlds on their heads. Born in Tel Aviv, Ori is currently Professor of Photography at the University for the Creative Arts in Kent, England.

His 2006 series is the most interesting to me.
Called "Exploding Flowers", Ori created lavish floral bouquets that are reminiscent of 19th century still lifes. (Think Henri Fantin-Latour). Then the magic happens, as he ignites a small explosive, taking photographs of the explosion in action with ultra-high speed cameras.
The end result is shocking, unexpected, and beautiful all at once.

But don't think this photographer is stuck in his studio. Rather, he travels the world looking for inspiration. From cherry blossoms in Japan to bullfights in Andalusia, Ori's photos transcend 'mere' photography, and pull the viewer in, asking questions: what is this? Is it real? How did this happen? What does this remind me of?

In summer of 2012, Gersht will exhibit at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts...
and I for one can't wait to see it!

Bloomers Floral Design
122 South Front St.
Wilmington, NC 28401
910-815-8585
www.BloomersWilmington.com