Mit Charme und einer perfekt dosierten Prise Schelmerei, dokumentiert der Künstler Dave Krueger gekonnt, worin der Unterschied zwischen erotischer Kunst und erotischem Kommerz liegt. Er appelliert in seinen durchdachten Bildkompositionen nicht an den tumben Trieb, sondern an den Sinn für eine fast architektonisch zu nennende Ästhetik. In fast jedem Bild finden sich Achsen und Linien, die sich zu einem X formen und das Motiv förmlich zerschneiden. Die photographische Balance wird durch eine ironisch gehaltene Komponente im Bildmotiv wiederhergestellt und dabei gleichsam kommentiert. Auf diese Weise verliert sich Dave Krueger nicht im intellektuellen Nirwana, sondern erschafft einen auf allen Ebenen sich entfaltenden Kunstgenuss.

David Krueger has been taking pictures since he was 14 (over three decades ago), starting with an old Argus C3.   While an engineer by trade, he did commercial photography part time from 1989 to 1996 for local high-tech companies in Huntsville , Alabama , also known as “The Rocket City” because of the high concentration of defense and space industry located there.

Now, having completely forsaken commercial photography in favor of working strictly for enjoyment, he concentrates on black and white fine art work.  His range of interest is  split between major urban environments and studio work with models.

He shoots in 35mm, 6x7cm, and (occasionally) 4x5 formats.  When it comes to selection of film, his rule of thumb is to “use the slowest film that will do the job”.  He does all of his own lab work, printing exclusively in 8”x10” and 16”x20” sizes using variable-contrast RC papers for working prints, but producing selenium-toned fiber prints for exhibition.  While Mr. Krueger does not currently pursue print sales, interest in his work has grown to the point that fine art prints will inevitably be offered to the public in the not too distant future.

When asked about what makes a good image, Mr. Krueger says, “A photograph, regardless of the subject, is only art if the viewer perceives it that way.  A good photograph is one that attracts attention and holds it.  A great photograph is one that's remembered.  An exceptional photograph is one that, when no longer available to look at, is missed.”

“Most of us find a lot of unappealing art in the world”, says Mr. Krueger.  “But we know when we see something really stunning.  Never mind that we, as artists, often fall short.  The goal should always be to achieve that result.”

Regarding his own place in the world of photography, Mr. Krueger says, “If I made a list of my top one hundred favorite photographers, I wouldn't be surprised to find my name missing.   But I enjoy it and have the distinct luxury, these days, of shooting solely to satisfy my own taste and ever-rising standards.”

www.kruegerphoto.com