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To some, monochrome photography is considered somewhat of a dying art form, a notion with which local artist Michael S. Arato takes issue. Mike has been producing high quality traditional black and white images for years and every photo in his collection provides the kind of awe-inspiring depth that primes the soul for adventure and drives the mind to wander with delight.

Residing in the Fort Lauderdale area, Mike’s images give regular visitors a glance at the diversity of his work. He states that finding the perfect subject is usually never planned, but planning the perfect shot may be something that requires days or even weeks of preparation. Brilliant landscape is portrayed as only can be seen through the lens of a visionary, and his modernist images, as revealed in shots like “Eggshell,” have been described best by artist and critic Henry Sandbank of the New York School of Visual Arts as, “Extraordinary!”

Having grown up in New York in the 70’s and 80’s, Mike learned from some of the masters of the lens, but worked hard to develop a style that was truly his own. He attended the City University of NY where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts. As many of his colleagues sought beauty in the colors of nature and the human form, Mike pushed the envelope and delved into shades of black, gray & white as he photographed the perfect subjects. It could be something you see everyday, or miss as you hurry by. It could be something you might never see. “As the impressionists and surrealists were always my most admired artists, I try to incorporate this flavor into much of my work. I believe that nothing is what is seems to be and pursue my images with this in mind.”

Whatever your interest, Mike has something unique and inspiring in store for you. Much like his “Eggshell” depicts birth and purity of form, his work allows one to experience the true beauty of the surrounding world and a chance to catch a refreshing glimpse at what we have probably been missing.

Sunburst

2001
Black & White Negative Film on Fiber Paper.
36x28 cm