BIRON: FRAMED PHOTOS • June 26, 2020 (revised: July 21, 2022)

Whether a photographer intends to create art or not is of little consequence when art identifiers are used like: 'frames,' 'gallery,' and 'exhibition'. When a photo is exhibited in a museum or art gallery, it is usually framed. That has always been the case when my photos were exhibited – well framed – at the Au Bonheur du Jour Gallery in Paris and the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. But – even framed, the question remains: Is it Art?

Since the early 1990s, I have used the word 'gallery' for sets of my photographs which now include over 100 web 'galleries,' but should they be considered Art for many are unapologetically pornographic with the clear intent of eliciting an erotic response in the viewer which is an essential part of my aesthetics. Why should 'art' and 'pornography' be antithetical as we continue to ask: Is it art or pornography?  In the case of my photography, it could be neither, either or both depending on the viewers sexual preference and aesthetics.

So, I encourage you to view this 'Framed Photos' exhibition from a purely ironic perspective – as if 'framed by the police' ironic – suggesting, whatever they may be, the photos themselves (if not the photographer) have been falsely accused and are innocent, along with the models, of all charges leveled against them.

Be kind in your final judgment for my beautiful models are worthy of your respect and enjoyment. To all of them in this lineup, my sincere thanks. What would I have done without you?

                                 Biron, June 25, 2020