Kirkwood’s intimate pb&j Gallery is hosting its 9th annual Body & Soul exhibition from March 16 to April 12. The show will feature photographer Bob Burkhardt, who owns the gallery and curates the show, alongside photographers Trevor Green and Derrick Lejermon. This year, Alexander Clark will also exhibit his drawings this year during the show.

Burkhardt has been doing fine art photography for the past 25 years and opened the gallery a decade ago. He began with landscapes and seascapes, but was drawn to figurative work.

“I began shooting people about 10 years ago after working for a small modeling agency. The same agency suggested I have a show in my gallery featuring the photos I shot for them. Body & Soul began as a result. Initially, I photographed all sorts of people – I still do. However my work with African-American men seemed to resonate. As a result more men of color approached me about photographing them.”

Burkhardt says there are few art shows in Atlanta that focus on images of African- American men in fine art photography and attributes that in part to the annual event’s popularity.

Burkhardt

Speaking of his creative process he says, “When working with someone, I enjoy capturing their spirit. Nothing is more satisfying than having a subject relax and feel comfortable with me. I focus on details, the light and the composition.”

The show opens March 16 from 7 to 10 p.m. at pb&j gallery located in Kirkwood at 35 Howard St. SE., Atlanta 30317. The show is free and street parking is also available. The gallery is open Thursday- Saturday, 12-5 p.m. during exhibitions.

For more information, visit pb&jart.com.

Franklin Abbott is an Atlanta psychotherapist and writer.