I have always regarded Chico Garcia as creative, fun and quick-witted. I have regularly listened to the daily morning show which he brilliantly host alongside long-time radio partner, Delamar, during the five years that i have spent in college. As commonplace as it may be, like the many young, romantic and sometimes cynical dreamers, I am proud to admit that this daily morning ritual has made my sometimes tumultuous college life bearable. During these time as well that they have become tremendously popular, generating the kind of following tantamount to a popstar.
Now, the creativity of Chico Garcia has gone beyond words - beyond the smart friendly banters of the Morning Rush - beyond the pop star image derived from an almost cult-ish following of his fan base.
His creativity has translated into the the visible and tangible imagery of photography. Beautiful photography.
Chico Garcia: The Photographer
The photography of Chico Garcia is a magnificent and magical antithesis of the candor of Chico Garcia, the DJ.
A different side of Chico is reflected in his photographs; the part of him which may be left only to his trusted confidants and friends. His romantic spirit and zealous love for life are the only trace of the DJ personality that is reflected in his photographs. And there is nothing wrong with that at all. Because the result are photographs that are quiet, subdued, unflinching and affecting. I am totally aware and fully understand the need for every artist to sometimes step outside of his daily zone to capture and create beautiful art.
The landscapes and scenes captured by his lenses are grand and yet it is the fine details that he chooses to include that give the images their characters. While looking, you do not get lost in the grandness of the view but are drawn in the contrast of the little things; and then the landscape becomes a beautiful aggregate of these details. It is in these landscape and nature photographs that Chico visually and artistically communicates ever so effectively.
He captures people in their true light. They are not portraits but dynamic imagery of the moment and its emotions; his camera does not dictate but rather allows the ebb and flow of his subject's characters to be preserved through his lenses. Thus creating people photographs that are real and even introspective.
Through his photography, Chico Garcia allows us to take a peek at how he views the world. His beautiful and distinct photography is proof that indeed, creativity knows no bound.
Below are some of the photographs by Chico Garcia. View more in his Flicker account or visit his blog, Strange Fruit.
