Analog Forever Magazine is pleased to showcase 32 images in this month’s online exhibition, entitled “Relax,” and curated by photographic artist, independent curator and juror, and our Editor in Chief, Michael Kirchoff! The selected photographs explore, both thematically and literally, the themes of relaxation. They will help you step back, take a breath, and notice how precious the quiet, in-between moments of our life can be.

The curator, Michael Kirchoff, had this to say:

I was looking for a reminder of why I need to get away from the daily grind (though I love what I do) and take time for some much-needed rest and relaxation. This theme comes at a perfect time, the start of Summer, and will undoubtedly be my jumping-off point for when I set out for some time off. No longer will others think I suffer from narcolepsy! So I'm taking this tutorial of photographs and putting it to good use.

The devices and activities for recharging one's batteries are many and varied. Many of them appear here in this exhibition and rekindle my love for sleeping in the sun, a hot bath, floating in the water, and hanging out with friends and loved ones. I know that I'm not alone in my desire to step back now and again, and it was my intention with this exhibition to help out others as well. The days and nights of constant toil and work and worry need to be corrected at times. Burnout is very real - I know this first hand. Perhaps that's what prompted me to present this theme in the first place. I suggest everyone take a moment, pause, breathe, and do what they need to do to put their mind and body at ease. Sometimes the solution to be overworked is as simple as a cup of tea – sometimes, it's a walk through nature. Whatever the case, you all need to be good to yourself as much as possible – I know you deserve it.

A recurring image that I constantly gravitate to is that of the ubiquitous hammock. I'm quite fond of them and felt that that might well be my ultimate relaxation device. So much so, in fact, that my favorite image from the submissions was “Hammock”, by photographer Dennis Stein. This photograph puts me in my happy place, to be sure. I want nothing more than to be there right now. My gratitude to everyone that submitted their photographs for this exhibition, whether you are represented here or not, as you've done a great service for me and others with your art. Now get out there in the warmth of the sun and remind yourself of how it feels so good to be alive. Cheers, my friends!

~ Michael Kirchoff

GALLERY 

About the Curator

Michael Kirchoff is a photographic artist, independent curator and juror, and advocate for the photographic arts. He has been a juror for Photolucida’s Critical Mass, and has reviewed portfolios for the Los Angeles Center of Photography’s Exposure Reviews, PhotoNOLA, and CENTER’s Review Santa Fe. Michael has been a contributing writer for Lenscratch, Light Leaked, and Don’t Take Pictures magazine. In addition, he spent ten years (2006-2016) on the Board of the American Photographic Artists in Los Angeles (APA/LA), producing artist lectures, as well as business and inspirational events for the community. Currently, he is also Editor-in-Chief at Analog Forever Magazine, Founding Editor for the online photographer interview website, Catalyst: Interviews, and a Contributing Editor for the column, Traverse, at One Twelve Publishing. Previously, Michael spent over four years as Editor at BLUR Magazine.

 Connect with Michael Kirchoff on his Website and Instagram!