Evolutionary Revolution - Frank Michael Commemorates the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall

Toronto, (May 1, 2009) —- Frank Michael, fine art photographer, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with the opening of his show as part of the CONTACT Photography festival on May 11, 2009

In his work Frank strives to highlight the triumph of the human spirit. By contrasting the images found on the East and West sections of the wall. The graffiti found on the West side represents an unstoppable force of creative expression and celebration of the human spirit, whereas the East side is void of human emotion and shows the cracked and peeling paint of a failed communist/fascist state. The contrast of these images serves as a reminder of the dangers of unbridled powers of the state versus human rights and civil liberties. The beauty and explosion of creativity of the West side of the wall also serves to remind us of the power of hope, even in the midst of oppression and inhumanity. The images on display as part of the festival are taken from a derelict segment of the wall found on the back campus of a community college in Honolulu, Hawaii. In finding this segment and commemorating the 20th anniversary of the wall we are forced to remember our collective past and to prepare for the future.

Frank Michael's collectors include: some of young Hollywood's up and comers including:
- Kellan Lutz, Twilight;
- James Kyson Lee, Heroes;
- Eva Marcille, America's Next Top Model;
- Genne Becker from Fashion Television;
- April Scott, Model, Author;
- Shar Jackson, Rapper;
- Antonio Sabato Jr, Gardel;
- Pheobe Price, Actress;
- Christine Lakin, Maxim Top 100 Model;
- Kevin Sorbo and Hercules;
- Princess Ann Claire.

When asked about why he takes the pictures he does, Frank Michael replied, "It's a way for me to bring something urban, beautiful and interesting into people's lives and homes while reminding them of a historical moment. With a lot of my pieces you may not initially appreciate that what you are looking at is actually graffiti, and for me, that is an interesting symbolic representation of what I am trying to communicate."

About Frank Michael

www.frankmichael.net Frank Michael started taking photos at an early age with his father's used Leica camera. As a teenager he developed his photos in a homemade darkroom and won first place in a local photography competition. He went on to study science and chemistry and graduated as a pharmacist and practiced for many years before returning to the creative impulse that had earlier captured his heart. Frank Michael's work can be found on-line as well as Hang Man Gallery in Toronto and Gallerie 505 in Lahaina, Maui.

About Contact

www.contactphoto.com CONTACT is an annual month long festival of photography with over 1000 local, national and international artists at more than 220 venues across the Greater Toronto Area in May. Founded as a not-for-profit organization 13 years ago, CONTACT is devoted to celebrating, and fostering an appreciation of the art and profession of photography. As the largest photography event in the world, and a premiere cultural event in Toronto, CONTACT stimulates excitement and discussion among a diverse audience that has grown to over 1,000,000 and is focused on cultivating even greater interest and participation this year.