“..Photographs like those Kander creates draw their power from the charge of brief encountners – theatrical moments of physical and psychological arrangement..” Gerald Marzorati – Editor, New York Times Magazine

Surrounding the gallery walls are portraits of members of the new Obama administration. They reflect a radical shift in political power and demonstrate how one photographer translates this spirit of the moment through his unique vision.

At a time when photography is subject to technological change, which some say move it from an art form to communications made of pixels and data, Kander brings us back to our senses. He reminds us of the power of photography to evidence historic moments and imagine future possibilities.

The almost silent process of making the portraits was sometimes accomplished in as little as three to ten minutes, which Kander described as an ‘athlectic’ approach. Each portrait was moved beyond time and place through the use of a white background, allowing each subject to ‘adjust their stand and become themselves’.

The result is one of the most significant portrait series of the decade, a powerful and poignant work of art which is beyond photography as we know it, a fusion of creative skills and quiet communication.

By bringing together the influences of portrait pioneers such as August Sander, with state of the art technologies and post production techniques, Kander bends his subjects into highly constructed facades which appear as cut outs, ironed flat. This approach captivates the viewer, as if engaging in a conversation with the subject.

Kander’s approach mirrors the intention behind the Obama team, to bring together an eclectic body of individuals who believe that change is possible. They run across boundaries of race, gender, age and religion, into a unified, intelligent, contemporary, engaging, and yet formidable force, which brings hope to the world.

Rhonda Wilson MBE, Creative Director – Rhubarb-Rhubarb, Birmingham UK
Matthew Flowers, Managing Director – Flowers Gallery, London and New York