My prime objective is to show the beauty of the human form and spirit, to document various aspects of the human journey, and at the same time to allow the sculptural forms juxtaposed with the natural elements to show how between these two beautiful things there are tensions and storms. My art is a vehicle for social commentary, to stimulate reflection, and to examine the passions surrounding various human issues. The works use symbolism, parody and subtle metaphors to discredit the myths that spring from stereotyping. I have been moved to create these images because I have observed this phenomenon all my life. The stereotyped feel they need constantly to demonstrate who they are not, and are thus prevented from focussing on the essence of their own being, that is, who they truly are. The incredible diversity of human society means that these issues are pervasive and there will not be agreement on how these symbols and images should be interpreted.

Michael Chambers has been described as by art critic Donna Lypchuk as "the quintessential Canadian artist" for his challenging photographic work that has captivated a generation. Jamaican born, Toronto based Chambers studied at York University where he received a BFA. Exhibiting internationally to critical acclaim, he has shown in the US, Japan, South Africa, the UK, Canada and the Caribbean. In 1998, he presented a 10-year retrospective called And Spectators Are No More: A Retrospective at the Thames Art Gallery in Chatham, Ontario.

While Chambers’ earlier black and white images used natural settings, recently, he has placed his models in the studio, and is exploring the gum bichromate printing process that allows for a larger scale, the introduction of colour, and more painterly qualities. Active in many areas of Toronto cultural life, Chambers has worked as creative director of the Asian magazine Dragun, and in 1990 produced the first black AIDS poster for the AIDS Committee of Toronto. His work is featured in Black Beauty, an international survey of photography published by Janssen. He was the recipient of the 2000 Mosaic Image Award and has been immortalized in Anton Wagner’s biographical documentary The Photographer: An Artist’s Journey (National Film Board of Canada) and as the subject of jazz recording "Michael the Photographer" by Neil Braithwaite and David Williams.

Upcoming shows include an extensive exhibition of gum-bichromate prints at the Peel Art Gallery, Ontario. Michael Chambers is represented by the O’Connor Gallery in Toronto.

Boulder 1990

black and white photograph

31.5 x 41.0 (image size)

On the Pollen Path 1991

black and white photograph

31.5 x 41.0 (image size)

black and white photograph

40.6 x 31.7 (image size)

Moot Point 1995

black and white photograph

40.6 x 31.7 (image size)

black and white photograph

40.6 x 31.7 (image size)

Twirl 1996

black and white photograph

31.7 x 40.6 (image size)

Genesis 1996

black and white photograph

40.6 x 31.7 (image size)

black and white photograph

40.6 x 31.7 (image size)

Alton II 1998

gum bichromate print a/p

72.0 x 50.0

gum bichromate print a/p

76.2 x 50.8 (image size)