Some photographers search for subjects in famous cities, hoping to capture images that will hang in famous galleries.
Fredy Martinez would like nothing better than to see his Morristown streetscapes preserved decades from now in the history section of the Morristown & Township Library.
“I can look at the Morristown library’s images from 30 or 40 years ago forever,” Martinez, 25, said Wednesday at the first local exhibition of his work.
The popup event kicked off the second annual Morris Arts summer showcase at the Gateway Totems, twin sculptures outside the Early Street Community Garden that celebrate the cultural diversity of the Speedwell Avenue neighborhood.
The garden is a short walk from Morristown High School, from which Martinez graduated in 2012. Although teacher Brian Kievning’s photography classes have produced many fine shooters, Martinez did not get become a full-blown shutterbug until later.
Still images in documentary films caught his attention. He sharpened his technical skills at the Antonelli Institute of Graphic Design and Photography in Philadelphia, then aimed a full-frame Nikon D610 at his hometown.
“We pass these places every day, but we don’t notice them,” Martinez said, glancing at his vivid series of after-dark, time-lapse exposures of South Street, the Morristown Green, and other downtown locations.
“I love his architectural photos. I think that’s his strong point. He has a great eye for color as well,” said exhibit visitor Lumane Luma, who recently moved from Newark to Morristown partly because of the town’s growing art scene.
Morristown muralist Ron Ritzie said he would love to see giant enlargements of Martinez’ work.
Martinez has a knack for turning seemingly nondescript, everyday scenes into something memorable, according to Carlos Sotelo, new director of creative place-making for Morris Arts.
“Fredy is realism at its finest,” said Sotelo, a 2008 alumnus of Morristown High School.
You can see Martinez’ work on his Instagram site, @fredymartinezzz.
Five more Totem events will feature artists from different cultural backgrounds, through early October 2018.
The presentations had been scheduled for Thursdays, but Sotelo said they may move to Wednesdays, to complement popup farm stands started this month by Grow It Green Morristown.
Farmer Shaun Ananko and assistant Jared Ginsburg sold home-grown kale and carrots just a turnip’s toss from the photo show.
