Off Season by Joseph O. Holmes

Happy Thursday, collectors—it's Sara, with an early summer salutation courtesy of Joseph O. Holmes. As many of you know, Joe has held a pretty special place in the JBP family for some time now: he's one of 20x200's superstars, with a total of 17 editions over the past several years—many of which have sold out. He was a Hey, Hot Shot! Ne Plus Ultra back in 2006, and the only person to ever win the competition twice (in the Fall of 2005 and 2006). He's participated in several group shows at Jen Bekman Gallery and had his first solo exhibition there last winter. In short, Joe is adored for the pictures he takes, but he's also got a way with words—so, I'm going to let him give you the spin on Off Season. In his artist statement, he writes:

You'd be forgiven for thinking that Coney Island has only ever existed in one of two discrete states—as either the rococo, wedding-cake parks of the Steeplechase, Dreamland and Luna Park, or the more recent quasi-sleaze of the Sideshow and Shoot the Freak.

But from just the right vantage point, when the sun is low and the light rakes the structures, if you squint your eyes and let the shadows swallow the razor wire and chain-link fences, it's still possible to see the silhouette of some earlier transitional state, all circles and curves and sweeping roller coaster lines. If not exactly Dreamland, perhaps you can glimpse some phantom Coney Island that flashed in and out of existence in the wink of an eye.

One final note for all of you photographers out there: If you'd like to join Joe's ranks, this is your reminder that the Hey, Hot Shot! First Edition 2011 competition closes in just a few weeks. If you haven't yet submitted an entry, you're missing out. Among the great prizes (and unrivaled exposure, support and recognition!) are a $500 honorarium for the Hot Shots and the opportunity to exhibit work in a group show at JBG. Plus (!) all of the work submitted is reviewed for participation on 20x200. Our diverse panel of photography professionals, in conjunction with the JBP curatorial team, select the winning entrants. One grand prize winner is awarded $10,000, a solo exhibition and representation by JBG.

Already, the competition has awarded over 135 emerging and established photographers (including Joe!) unparalleled opportunities and exposure. The entry fee is $70, but will rise again incrementally throughout the remainder of the competition. With the deadline set at June 22nd at 8:00 p.m. ET, the earlier you submit, the better. Don't delay. And while you're at it, be sure to check out the HHS! blog for daily contender posts to scope out what your competitors are submitting.