Rinzi Ruiz: Light and Shadows on the Streets

1801 NW Northrup Street,Portland OR 97209

30 November, 2022

Description

“When it comes to making images, I just love the way the light falls out here. The slightest alterations can produce the most amazing results." Infused with noir-ish customs, Rinzi Ruiz’s LA portraits highlight lonesome flecks of moody seclusion. Borrowing from the gloomy patina of Renaissance paintings, a dramatic contrast of light and darkness (or chiaroscuro, as it would become known) defined the so-called ‘film noirs’ of post-war America. Personifying an era with slanted angles and exaggerated shadows, the genre established a harsh look, typifying the fallout of wide-reaching conflict and widespread disillusionment. Following the fallout of COVID-19, such sentiments have – perhaps inevitably – begun to permeate public consciousness once more. Traversing the effects of the last two years is something we’re all contending with, and in many ways, the language of noir couldn’t be more suited to this watershed moment. Working with the new X-T5 camera, Rinzi Ruiz recently embarked on his own creative excursions, adopting such vernacular. Known for his captivating black & white street snaps, the birthplace of the ‘dark film’ provided ample creative encouragement, and an ideal backdrop. About RinziRinzi Ruiz is a Fujifilm X-Photographer / Global Ambassador and freelance photographer focused on weddings, events, and portraits based in Los Angeles, California. He originally studied graphic design and computer animation at the Art Institute of Los Angeles but after 12 years in the design industry found a passion for photography and made the switch. He is known for his street photography with his focus on light and shadow and the human condition. Rinzi was a featured photographer in the LA Times Framework and has had various photographs featured in the LA Times SoCal Moments. He has also been featured in Light It Magazine, The Candid Frame Podcast, Inspired Eye Magazine, Art Photo Feature, Fotoflock by Epson, and Backyard Opera. His work was exhibited at the Hatakeyama Gallery and The Think Tank Gallery. His work was published in Arte Fotográfica Magazine, Rangefinder Magazine, and Eloquence International Creators Magazine. His rapid development as a photographer is informed from a commitment to make time for his art, as well as developing a critical eye for what works and what doesn't. Inspired by both contemporary and master photographers, his understanding of the tradition of photography is helping him to develop a distinct voice.