My artistic practice explores themes of identity and belonging, in particular where their mainstream representations remain incomplete and act to veil inequalities. My need to grapple with these issues–embedded in my queer, bi-cultural identity–manifests in collaborating with others who experience being outsiders. Using lens-based media, together we create intimate and humanistic portrayals.
My work pivots between documentary and performative modes to amplify individual narratives which–gathered as a collective experience– produce knowledge about social injustice and invite audiences to engage in critical reflection. It proposes a means for human connection and contributes to more inclusive representations.
Founding a commercial photography studio that serviced the advertising industry for 15 years, a life-changing experience renewed Ohrem-Leclef's focus on personal long term projects (2012). His collaborative practice moves between documentary and performative modes to construct alternative representations and narratives that address issues of identity and belonging.
A MacDowell Fellow (2018), he teaches at the International Center of Photography (ICP) and lectured at Columbia University, New School, CUNY, School of Visual Arts, SUNY, Pratt Institute, amongst others. Select publications and reviews include Artnews, Artforum, BBC, British Journal of Photography, CityLab, Hyperallergic, Der Spiegel, GUP, Slate, Out.
Ohrem-Leclef’s work has been exhibited in Brazil, Germany, India, Israel, Slovakia. Spain, the Netherlands, UK and US. It is held in the collections of Museo de Arte do Rio (MAR / Rio de Janeiro), and David Dechman, NYC.
For inquiries re. limited edition works or a studio visit, please email: marcleclef [at] gmail.com
Or visit works available at artspace.com & saatchionline.com.
