Art Exhibit

My Monkey Face Project

Frank G. Clemmensen - Photographic Artist

While visiting the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Japan, I was captivated by the faces

and expressions of the macaque monkeys. It was so interesting to just stand and watch the eyes and expressions of the monkeys as they simply relaxed in the water of the hot tub pool. And then, to see the amazing expressions as some of them communicated with other monkeys across the park.

I knew I wanted to create something different with the images I would capture. So, I focused my photography on just the faces. I knew that in processing I would work toward rendering images that would simplify everything down to the eyes and faces and expressions of the monkeys. 

The untitled images are the result. I did not want any image title to influence your interpretation of what each expression might personally mean to each of you.  

🐵 Monkey Face Project Caption Naming Competition 🎨

VOTING STARTING SOON!

Come back soon for voting links and instructions

All photos were created by local artist Frank Clemmensen, who is graciously donating these pieces to raise funds for the Duke Lemur Center.

All money received from Monkey Project voting goes to 

Duke Lemur Center

About the artist

Frank G. Clemmensen

Artist Statement

Other than a bit of point and shoot travel photography, I'm actually sort of new at this photography thing.  It was in early 2015 that I decided to get serious about my photography and started taking classes.  I bought my first DSLR in October of 2015, and I haven't looked back. I now consider myself a photography enthusiast.

Although I occasionally delve into all types, most of my photography leans towards birds and other wildlife. And I love sharing my work in various ways. I have had three personal exhibits of my work. I have presented programs to camera clubs sharing my work and teaching about wildlife.  I have had some images published in magazines and association publications. And a portfolio of my images was published in the prominent LensWork fine art photography magazine, including the cover image. Lastly, I also enjoy using Facebook like a Photography Blog sharing my images every week.

But what I enjoy most about my photography is that the camera motivates me to get out and have such amazing experiences with wildlife and the world around us. The images and the sharing are just a great bonus.

Artist Bio

Frank’s interest in the natural world developed early in childhood when he avidly explored the fields and woods of Southeastern Pennsylvania. The combination of this interest along with an inherent artistic side (expressed in constant doodling and drawing), led Frank to degrees in Forestry, Environmental Studies, and Landscape Architecture.

 Photography was a casual sideline with a point and shoot camera during his careers as a self-employed landscape contractor, and later as a     project manager, building and remodeling houses inside Raleigh’s     beltline. Frank began taking photography classes and attending seminars and workshops in 2014. He bought his first DSLR camera in 2015 and has rarely put it down since.

Frank is now retired and spends much of his time devoted to photography and travel with his long-suffering photographer’s wife, Shirley.