Ben Zank

At age 18 Ben Zank found a film camera in his grandmother’s attic. As an active teenager he was excited by the potential of shooting characters in unlikely scenarios. Since then, New-York based photographer Ben Zank has developed a unique style of self-portraiture in which he places himself in everyday situations that are somewhat distorted. His images feature the human body engaging directly with the location or scenario, often telling a story with an uncertain destiny. 

Ben Zank

Ben Zank

 Zank’s photography plays with the concept of space and site as integral to the composition of an image. “The location is the most important part of making an image to me. I always base my concepts off the location I am working with.” Ben notes that, unfortunately, his artistic freedom is often limited by urban industrialization and boundaries. “The whole city has become a cage…the best spots in New York always require a form of trespassing”. 

Ben Zank

 Zank models for his photos, exploring angles and dimensions of the space that intrigue him. Though he does not identify as a dancer, Zank said, “I’m flexible, and people have told me that I have the characteristics of a monkey.” Many photographs feature him in unusual contortions within an everyday location- Peering beneath a road divider, walking up a wall, or laying on a brink of snow and slate.

Ben Zank

 Zank’s photography is inspired by movement. Said Zank, “I’ve always been an active person. I enjoyed meandering through the woods and climbing trees..Photography gave my destructive and sporadic behavior a purpose”. Movement adds another dimension to his images as it “gives depth and keeps things exciting.”

Ben Zank

 In the next few years Zank looks forward to working with dancers. “The ways a contemporary dancer can shape her body has always fascinated me. It fits very much into the work I’m seeking to produce in the future.” Zank continues to find inspiration in the work of hundreds of artists from a variety of disciplines- photography, visual art, dance, theater, music. Said Zank “You can’t develop your own mind without looking into the minds of others”.

Ben Zank

Ben perceives that dance is human expression in it’s purest form. “Everyone loves to move no matter what age they are. Dance anywhere nurtures this philosophy by encouraging everyone to get up, no matter where they are, and express themselves through motion.” Stay tuned for Ben’s 2015 dance anywhere® plans! 

Ben Zank

For more information on Ben Zank view his website, facebook page, or dance anywhere® page