Remi Thornton

Biography
One can only wonder what Remi Thornton would be doing if his first Digital SLR had been delivered during daylight hours. But because UPS dropped by after dark, the earliest exposures captured by Thornton were necessarily long ones. Since that fateful night he has embraced this medium and technique. Using only atmospheric street lighting, he has developed a style that some have referred to as “…the epitome of proper creepy.”

Remi’s work has been exhibited throughout the United States, and his photographs have been highly collected by private and public collections including Fidelity Investments and Wellington Management. He is currently represented by Gallery Kayafas in Boston. Thornton lives in Melrose, Massachusetts, a small suburb just north of Boston, with his wife and a heavily photographed Chihuahua/Pug mix named Winnie Cooper.

Statement
Every image in this series at night conveys a sense of anticipation: something doesn’t seem right; something’s about to happen. Together, we’re on the cusp of witnessing an event, which could be odd, frightening or even supernatural. I hope that the structures and shadows in these depopulated scenes inspire the viewer’s imagination. It’s what’s lurking in the darkness and in the corners that give these images their mysterious power. The next, missing frame becomes as relevant as the photograph itself, and it’s up to you to complete the story.

All of the works are shot using “natural” street lighting. As with my other works, I didn’t stage these scenes. I am less concerned with constructing a mood and more interested in capturing it accurately. For me, a successful image conveys the same uneasiness that I felt while taking the photograph, standing alone in the dark, wondering what would happen next.