INTERVIEW
February 19, 2021
NEW REALITIES
Photography by Tony Remartinez
Interview by Melanie Meggs
Tony Remartinez is a visionary artist who is revolutionizing the world of abstract photography. His work is renowned for its ability to capture the duality of things, images, and thoughts, creating an entirely new reality. Through the use of unique imagery, Tony's work pushes the boundaries of photography, allowing us to view the world from a totally different perspective. By combining several of his photographs together, Tony creates something that transcends the tangible elements of photography, instead presenting us with something more emotional and reflective. With each photograph, Tony invites us to look closer, to challenge our understanding of reality and to explore a totally new realm of possibility.
“As the people pass me, I always wonder, where do they go? What do you think? In something that catches my attention and I see the image superimposed with another that has nothing to do with it (at first). And from there, I begin to deconstruct, to search, what? I do not know.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH TONY REMARTINEZ
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Tony, please tell us about yourself. How did you become interested in photography?
TONY REMARTINEZ: I was born in a town in Cordoba, Spain, until I was ten years old I lived in Sidi Ifni, then in Zaragoza and currently I have my residence in Sitges. My first memories of photography came from the shoe box where we kept the family photos, which my father made with Kodak Retinette IA (which I still have). I have always liked photography, and I have done photography; but had never learned them, until three years ago when I started posting on Instagram.
TPL: Where do you find your inspiration?
TR: In the people, in the images that pass in front of you when you walk...
TPL: What do you enjoy about abstract photography? What do you want to express through your photography? And what are some of the elements that you always try to include in your photographs?
TR: Abstract photography allows me to lose myself in other worlds, in other thoughts; the deconstruction of reality takes hold of me when I start to play with images. From the outset I have to say that I don't use powerful editors such as Photoshop or Lightroom.
Let's say I work in a 'traditional way' using the iPad with double or triple exposures, with movements of images, recovering elements, which is usually a character in the image.
TPL: Do you have a favorite place to photograph? How has the pandemic affected you and your photography?
TR: The truth is not, because it is close to the town where I live Sitges, its beaches, its people; then Barcelona in general, wherever I am, I try to shoot.
The pandemic has affected me, especially losing some exposure; and evidently not being able to go out and take the camera; but there are many images to take, nothing happens.
TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance?
TR: I like to look, photograph, look at images in Instagram, in Art Limited, in digital magazines and with that I am discovering photographers that I like the most and that capture my attention such as Pep Ventosa, Chema Madoz, Stephen Allsopp or Jack Savage.
TPL: When you go out to photograph, do you have a concept in mind of what you want to photograph, or do you just let the images "come to you", or is it both?
TR: I have nothing in mind, I go out for a walk, I love to walk and as I always carry my camera, I shoot; There are days when I shoot compulsively, there are days when I don't shoot anything, but I look and observe, and I keep the image.
The images I capture, then I go to the computer, and I look at them when I look at them, I'm not in a hurry. There are images that I have been able to look at over the months, or I am looking for an image for something specific that I know will capture in its day.
TPL: Have you ever been involved in the creative world before photography?
TR: No, and I don't have photographic studies either. What I do is visit exhibitions of both photography and painting, I am passionate about that.
TPL: Does the equipment you use help you achieve your vision in your photography? What camera do you use? Describe what you like about your camera and what you don't like (if you do). Do you have a preferred lens / focal length?
TR: Currently I have an Olympus OMD, I have always carried compact, small cameras that I can carry in my bag or backpack; I usually carry a prime lens the Olympus 25mm; sometimes I also shoot with the iPad.
TPL: What are some of your goals as an artist? Where do you see yourself or do you hope to see yourself in five years?
TR: Honestly, I do not have them, I do not think about it and less to a term of five years.
TPL: Is there a special project you are currently working on that you would like everyone to know about?
TR: I have in mind, I would like, to make a "fusion" of photography with painting based on Sitges images.
Tony Remartinez's work is a testament to his vision and creativity, showing us that there is an entire world of possibility to explore, and that abstract photography can be used to take us to places we have never been before. By challenging us to look closer and to think outside of our comfort zone, Tony's photographs invite us to experience reality in a totally new way. We invite you to join Tony on his journey and explore the potential of abstract photography for yourself.
