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Beautiful photographs that capture the nostalgia of Americana.
Born in France, Brooklyn-based photographer Arnaud Montagard takes minimalist photos that are full of soul. His images often focus on a specific detail, from someone lost in their own thoughts to an ordinary object that nevertheless triggers an emotional reaction in the viewer. Clear and simple, Arnaud Montagard’s photography captures kernels of universal truths and presents them in compositions reminiscent of paintings. Like a haiku, the photographer’s work is short on details but tells a rich, layered story. Nowhere is this more evident than in The Road Not Taken series.
Published by Setanta Books in a limited edition book that has quickly sold out, The Road Not Taken takes a nostalgic look at Americana. The 53 photographs reference Beat poets and Edward Hopper paintings, but also showcase Arnaud Montagard’s distinctive style. Vintage-like, the images take the viewer on a journey through some of America’s small towns, arid landscapes and classic diners.
Every photo captures details one might overlook otherwise, from the man seemingly nodding off while traveling on a ferry to the peeling advertising boards that look from the 1950s or the pink motel sign rising from among palm trees. Beautiful and skillfully composed, the pastel-hued photos almost seem to offer a glimpse into the past. The Road Not Taken by Arnaud Montagard features a preface by Los Angeles Times writer Leah Ollman. While currently sold out, the book will be released by in a second limited edition series later in 2020. Photographs© Arnaud Montagard.
