Matthew Bamberg has been a writer, photographer and educator based in Palm Springs, CA. In the early 2000s, he wrote articles for the "Desert Sun" and "Palm Springs Life" about popular world-famous destination for mid-century modern architecture. Soon after, his interest in mid-century modern culture led him to photograph mid-century signage and architecture all over Southern California and beyond.

Before his experiences photographing mid-century modern architecture, Bamberg was a graduate student in the Inter-arts Center of San Francisco State University, He got his start in photography composition by studying interaction of text and image on video and within children’s multimedia software programs. He received his MA degree in creative arts in 1997.

During the graduate school experience, Bamberg discovered the importance of photographing subjects and objects to preserve history for future generations. His search for images began with evaluating the life span of structures, which resulted in a search for architectural elements that are likely to be removed or destroyed in the near term. He found that the primary structures prime for the wrecking ball are design gems that have grown out of touch with technology and occupy substantive space in densely populated urban areas where land is sparse.

 In 2002, after photographing, printing and framing his photos of world architectural landmarks, Matt decided to contact local vintage modern stores In Palm Springs and Los Angeles to consign his photos, offering them for sale. After that, his first book, "Digital Art Photography for Dummies," reported on the process of shooting and making framed photos for sale. It was by published by Wiley in 2005. In the following ten years, Bamberg authored 11 more how-to photography books for Cengage Learning. In 2017, Matt was juried into the Desert Art Center.

In addition to photography, Matt is also an educator at National University. He continues to photograph the remaining mid-century landmarks in Southern California and beyond to this day. After two decades of photographing, his collection has become well-known and appreciated by many mid-century modern aficionados of modern art.

Over the past two decades, Matt has photographed signs, buildings and monuments of kitsch, many of which have been subjected to the wrecking ball. His latest work is a Tiki (Polynesian God) collage, based upon the geometrical figures and primary colors of Piet Mondrian.  

© Copyright Matthew Bamberg--Author, Photographer, Educator

Matthew Bamberg: Capturing Mid-Century Modern Aesthetics Through The L – "SMB Daily News: Where Businesses and Creativity Meet" Skip to content

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Matthew Bamberg: Capturing Mid-Century Modern Aesthetics Through The Lens

Delving Deeper into the World of Matthew Bamberg: A Mid-Century Modern Photography Maestro

Matthew Bamberg, a stalwart in the realm of fine art photography, harbors a unique penchant for mid-century modern aesthetics. With his eclectic array of retro-inspired captures, Bamberg takes us on a nostalgic journey through time, showcasing the vibrancy of an era that was and still remains iconic in design and expression.

Retro Mondrian Signage Collage by Matthew Bamberg

The Making of the Artist

Matthew's fascination with cameras and kitsch began in his childhood. Growing up in Miami, Florida, he used film cameras to capture his surroundings, most notably his kitsch-oriented family and their uniquely styled home. His early experiences with photography, coupled with his academic background in Meteorology, laid the foundation for his artistic journey.

His love for mid-century modern architecture brought him to Palm Springs, a location often referred to as a mid-century modern Disneyland. Here, Bamberg began documenting architectural elements from this era, capturing thousands of images of signage across the United States and abroad.

A Deep Dive into the Artist's Background

Bamberg's journey began in Miami, where he was surrounded by mid-century modern designs in his home and the iconic hotels they frequented. His first foray into photography was during college, where he was tasked with capturing images of thunderstorms for the National Weather Service. This thrilling experience, combined with his Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, shaped his artistic path.

After living in San Francisco for a long period of time, Bamberg's longing for the vintage charm of Miami led him to Palm Springs. Here, he started documenting mid-century modern architectural elements, capturing a plethora of images from across the United States and abroad.

The Genesis of Bamberg's Artistic Career

Bamberg's formal career in arts commenced during his graduate studies at San Francisco State University. As part of The Interdisciplinary Arts Center, he explored a wide range of creative arts, from screenplay writing and video production to digital art software applications. His graduate project focused on educating young people about key events in gay and lesbian history, utilizing digital text and imagery.

In 2002, Bamberg began selling his photographs of world architectural landmarks at local vintage modern stores in Palm Springs and Los Angeles. His first book, "Digital Art Photography for Dummies," shed light on the process of shooting, printing, and selling his framed prints.

The Artistic Process

Bamberg's artistic process involves using Sony Alpha A7 series cameras to photograph raw images of mid-twentieth-century modern motel signage and architecture, often isolating them as art. His works stand out for their bright colors, unique geometric shapes, and the evocation of nostalgia they induce.

His art is driven by a desire to document history and encourage architectural preservation. He aims to transport viewers back in time to a campy universe of urban color that once was, capturing structures and styles that are here today and might be gone tomorrow.

Connecting with the Audience

Bamberg spends a significant amount of time connecting with his audience through social media platforms and local media outlets. His love for mid-century modern aesthetics resonates with his audience, leading to a deep and meaningful connection. Writing for local papers and magazines also helps him reach a wider audience and share his love for art and design.

Behind Bamberg's Inspiration

Bamberg's primary inspiration stems from his desire to document the history of structures and encourage architectural preservation. Nostalgia plays a key role in his work, and he aims to evoke a sense of remembrance and appreciation for the mid-twentieth century in his viewers.

Matthew Bamberg’s Unique Artistic Style

Identifying as a "mid-century modern guy", Bamberg's work primarily focuses on the mid-twentieth century era. His work primarily consists of photographs that document the history of structures that may no longer exist as they once did. He uses software tools to enhance the two-dimensional likeness of the structures he finds, often in disrepair, to breathe new life into them.

Future Plans

Matthew Bamberg envisions his future in art as a continuous journey of exploration and growth. He plans on doing a more intensive outreach through writing about art and the theme of his art, intending to create a deeper connection with his audience. He also aims to compete with fellow artists at his home gallery, the Desert Art Center, in Palm Springs, and explore the ever-evolving digital art tools.

Overcoming Challenges

Like any artist, Matthew Bamberg has faced challenges in his career. The 2008 housing market crash significantly impacted the art buying industry, causing a dip in demand. However, Bamberg persevered, focusing on his favorite pastime of capturing nostalgic and campy images, and adding to his collection to sell a year or two beyond the economic collapse.

Matthew Bamberg’s Unique Appeal

What sets Matthew Bamberg apart in the art industry is his focus on documenting the history of structures, signage, and mid-century modern design principles. His bright, three-dimensional photographs pop out of the frame, transporting viewers to a bygone era. His vast collection of retro images illustrates how design principles have spread all over the world, making him a unique voice in the world of fine art photography.

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