Portrait by Will Pippin
Joshua Villas
Backyard
The project "Backyards" is a modern-day topographical project documenting various backyards in the Queens neighborhood of Rosedale. Growing up, I spent a large amount of time playing in the backyard as a child and those experiences have given me an appreciation for natural environments which is a common theme throughout my work. With Rosedale being on the edge of Queens, the houses become more suburban allowing for flora to grow, however, with them still being New York City homes, they have elements of concrete and other man-made materials.
This interesting contrast of nature and man-made materials existing in a single space is what gives these backyards such depth and I wanted to photograph it. Using a medium format camera loaded Ilford hp-5 I spent time entering backyards and photographing corners (areas where fences and plants usually meet). The result was a series of highly detailed and textured images that showcases the backyards from my childhood or a collective childhood of Rosedale residents
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About Joshua
Joshua Villas is a photographer who has been practicing for 4 years. First shooting landscapes, they have branched into the genres of Fine Art, Portrait, Architecture, and Studio photography. In their images, they explore the black experience, states of mind, all while paying attention to overall design resulting in beautiful captures of life.
Presented by BKC & ASMP NY, The Bridge is a groundbreaking 16-week mentorship program for 18-26 year old emerging photographers and creative artists. To learn more about The Bridge, CLICK HERE.