AVAILABLE ARTWORKS BY MICHAEL JAMES O'BRIEN
Michael James O’Brien draws inspiration from his diverse roles as a photographer, poet, and activist. His work often intersects with themes of identity, social justice, and cultural commentary. O’Brien's photography has been showcased globally and featured in prestigious publications, highlighting his ability to capture the human experience with depth and nuance. His involvement in activism, particularly with HIV/AIDS awareness and support, further informs his artistic perspective, making his work both impactful and deeply personal.
Kouros Series
Matthew Barney Series
Matthew Barney describes the last and final part of the cycle as a lyric opera of a tragic love story set against the romantic backdrop of Budapest. The main characters in the epic are the Queen of Chains and the magician and escape artist Harry Houdini.
In Spite of dreams Series
A combination of analogue and digital compositions based on ideas from Ovid’s Metamorphosis, deconstructed and subverted to my own narrative. MJO, 2021
Girlfriend Series
“So the object brings the subject to life not in its relative presence, but in its irreducible absence.”
- Jean Baudrillaud, Integral Reality
Still-life Series
Opalina Series
MICHAEL JAMES O'BRIEN
REPRESENTED ARTIST
Michael James O’Brien is a multifaceted artist based in Atlanta, GA, known for his work as a photographer, teacher, curator, poet, and activist. He has held solo exhibitions in major cities worldwide, including New York, Paris, Beijing, and Istanbul. His photography is part of the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection in London and has been featured in esteemed publications such as Rolling Stone, Vogue UK, The New Yorker, and The Guardian.
O'Brien authored Girlfriend; Men, Women, and Drag, published by Random House, and contributed to Matthew Barney’s Drawing Restraint 7 and Cremaster series. A dedicated activist, he has been involved with ACTUP and various HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, including the Love Ball and Live Positive Campaign. Currently, he serves as the Chair of Photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design and chairs the Advisory Council of Atlanta Celebrates Photography.