Narratives:

Framing the Dark Side

 By Larry Hamill

I have known Chas Ray Krider since the mid 1970’s, when he would roam the streets of Columbus, Ohio, with his trusty Leica M2. He shot seemingly mundane scenes that on closer examination revealed an aesthetic underpinning, which would continue throughout his life’s work. His deceptively simple compositions lent themselves to more complex narratives

In recent years, he has subtly combined his street images with fine tuned studio photography to create a more cinematographic experience. Through a very distinctive form of lighting, Chas Ray creates a sense of impending drama in his photographs. His exterior environs lead to an evocative interior action as his inner and outer worlds combine in fascinating ways.

Throughout his career, Chas Ray has received numerous grants from arts organizations, enabling him to continue pursuing his Zen-like form of narration. His work has been published throughout the world, and whether he is on the streets of Los Angeles or Madrid, his photographic journey continues.

The following images are from two series: Goodbye Kitty and Days of Noir. 

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Goodbye Kitty

Goodbye Kitty, 6

 

Goodbye Kitty, 17

 

 

 

 

 

Goodbye Kitty, 18

 

 

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Days of Noir

 

Days of Noir, 1

 

Days of Noir, 1

 

 

 

Days of Noir, 4

 

 

Days of Noir, 8