An Exclusive Interview With Jon Luvelli

"There are many points of view. We, as photographers, immortalize the existence of an isolated view." – Luvelli

- By Catalin Croitoru

He is seen by many as a poet of the unspoken and an illustrator of the unseen. Watching his pictures taken over the years, you cannot remain insensible: the street is unfolding in front of your eyes—the romantically macabre view of The Monochromatic Master Jon Luvelli. Through LUVELLI's images, ordinary street life is getting a new value.

Jon Luvelli is an Italian-American street photographer best known for his black-and-white images depicting people's idiosyncrasies in rural areas.

His work conveys social messages addressing economic and civil issues. He is noted for his macabre candid photography. He coined the title Fine Art Documentarian for photographers merging documentary and art photography.

His rural life work, social and environmental issues are exhibited and held in prominent museums, galleries, private collections, and published worldwide.

Lens Magazine: Hello Luvelli, can't help but admit that it's an honor to discuss your works. Can you share with our readers - Where did it all start?

LUVELLI: I was first introduced to photography when I was around 8 years old by my grandfather, a photographer, and a Seabee in the United States Navy. He (My grandfather) documented his tour of duty during World War II in Guam.

L. M.: A majority of your work is rural America, places such as Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Arkansas, and Missouri. What is it that inspires you to photograph rural areas?