Spin The Black Circle Installation

Francis Minien (b.1977) (he/him) is a British born visual artist based in Brooklyn, New York. An Associate of Britain’s Royal Photographic Society, he holds a Masters degree in Photography and a Bachelors in History and Media Studies, both from De Montfort University in the United Kingdom. And it is primarily these disciplines that informs his artistic practice today. A mid-career artist, Minien is a journeyman photographer, he is passionate about photography; photography as a visual art and form of communication, but he does not allow himself to be branded as a ‘type’ of photographer or to adhere to strict rules of the genres, or to a specific genre, he follows what interests him or catches his eye. He has described himself as a collector of photographs, taking photographs for him is purposeful but at that shutter click that purpose is singular. Often the singular results in the evolution of an idea, a project or an addition to a collection. In practice, his work is a reaction to the world around him, his approach has depended on the feeling and the intent for being in a specific place. Often working on multiple projects of ideas at any one time, focus, to Minien, is many projects being worked on for long periods of time. Schooled in 35mm Black and White photography and darkroom printing, he does not limit himself to a specific camera, printing or editing format preferring to explore what he sees with whatever tool seems right. Some projects have waited for technological advances and some have been born as a result of technical advances, some are as a result of time passed and found photographs. His work is held in numerous private and corporate collections and he has been published and exhibited widely, resulting in several prestigious awards in addition to 5 self published books.