Viewfindings, a show of new paintings by Jeff Masamori

Posted on: May 4, 2023

Join us for the opening of Viewfindings, an exhibition of paintings by Jeff Masamori.

When we do something for long enough, our understandings and approaches can become limiting rather than expansive – a trap instead of a tool. After two decades as a photographer focused on precision, geometry, and clarity, Jeff found himself longing for a beginners mindset. The space to try, fail, and experiment for experimentation’s sake.

This led Jeff toward abstract oil painting, a medium where he could let go of the self-imposed rules that guide his photographic practice. Painting as a way to see the world fresh – without the proxy of a camera lens.

The paintings collected in Viewfindings are a snapshot of a simple object seen during daily walks after the onset of motionaftereffect (a visual illusion of movement experienced after looking at a moving object and then looking at a stationary object).

While still highly photographic in nature, these paintings are Jeff’s attempt to embrace spontaneity and improvisation. They are the evidence of Jeff stepping beyond the lines that have defined the boundaries of his creative practice.

Join us for a reception with Jeff on Friday May 12. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this exciting new collection with you.

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Viewfindings opening reception

Friday May 12th
4—7pm
536 Davis St, San Francisco

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Thank you to our [working] partners at EQ Office who have helped make this project possible.

Beginning again, but better.

Over the past four years Jeff Masamori has become an integral part of Problem Library. As a Problem Children mentor in 2019 he began applying his skills, passion, and energy toward improving the program. In that time he has also become Problem Library’s lead photographer. If you’ve seen photos of a project or event, it was probably Jeff behind the camera.

Jeff’s mindset of curiosity and of beginning again but with more knowledge speaks to the way Problem Library as a whole operates. Jeff’s new body of work embodies the idea that there is an infinite number of things to learn, if you are willing to get close to a problem. That by bravely moving into the unknown, letting go of our preconceptions, we can create in new and surprising ways.

By taking on a new medium for creating work, Jeff reminds us that beginning again is important. His work beckons us to devote ourselves fully, and by doing so to create something new. It is a reminder that we can all evolve and grow, if we let go of the traps we find ourselves in.

We look forward to seeing you next Friday.

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See more of Jeff’s photography
jeffmasamori.com