The internet has been kind to photographers, the ability to access a platform to distribute images in a previously unanticipated way has given rise to a sort of renaissance of contemporary photography. The flip side of this phenomenon is that for every legitimate honestly talented individual, there's a ten thousand pre-teens who think that having access to a DLSR makes them the next Annie Leibovitz. Online it's easy to lose sight of the good amongst the vast sea of mediocrity, so think of Melbourne's Ojae as a life-raft.
The elusive photographer has been running his photoblog for a while now, posting candid images of urban life. His work flips between film and digital, but always retains a gritty realism that makes his work engaging. Ojae’s images run the gamut from stifling cities to subculture run amok, giving the viewer and honest look into the lives of his subjects. To be sure, the internet isn't exactly short of flicks of young lads out on the town, but these photos bring something fresh to the table.
Ojae’s subdued colours and the passive indifference of his subjects elevates the images from the realm of street-wear lookbook into legitimate cultural documentation.He captures the claustrophobia of urban living, and the listlessness of the city's youth. From France to the Czech Republic to Melbourne, the pattern is the same. Bored kids fighting, fucking, and generally finding ways to pass the time. Ojae’s lens takes it all in, and presents it back to you without passing judgment. Keep your eye on this guy, ‘cos he’s definitely watching you.
Words by Sean Irving.
More over at
ojaeblog.com.