Introduction

The 1970s were a time of experimentation, a more open and less predictable era full of burgeoning diversity. From landscapes to street photography and nudes, Jay Manis used his time in Rochester to investigate a variety of avenues in developing his craft. With subject matter ranging from the delicate to the near disturbing, Manis shows not only intricate technique but a willingness to explore new ideas as well.

Manis’s images are often of everyday scenes but frequently solicit deeper investigation. His sense of timing and composition in his portrait work beg the viewer to make connections or think of a story to accompany the image in a very subjective manner.

When photographing nudes, Manis creates scenes that seem to be borderline voyeuristic, suggesting that the viewer is spying upon something secret. When viewing these images, one almost has the impression of walking in on the scene of a crime, sometimes subtly and sometimes very directly. One can only be left to imagine the circumstances of such a sight.

When considering the 1970s as a time of such great revolution both culturally and artistically, combined with the counter-culture approach of the Visual Studies Workshop, it seems as though Manis was as much of a black sheep as he was a contributing revolutionary. By demonstrating at the same time a mastery of so-called “straight” photography as well as embracing some of the alternative trends of the time, one can see how Manis was able to toe the line between conformist and rebel.

-Philippe Gouvernet