On June 5th, photographer and lifelong surfer Alberto Guglielmi will debut his unique portrait series, “Surfer DNA” at an exhibit in New York City. The exhibit will raise awareness of, and capital for, the ongoing needs of those most affected by Hurricane Sandy. By blending prop styling with technology, each image depicts the accomplished subjects’ tie to the ocean via surfboard fins emerging from their body. Alberto describes the project as, “a visual allegory for the change that occurs when someone becomes a surfer: it doesn’t just affect your life; it becomes part of your DNA. Whether in or out of the water, a surfer’s tie to the ocean is always present.”
In the wake of the storm, the NY-based photographer was drawn to help the communities surrounding the breaks where he surfs regularly–the greater Rockaway and Long Beach areas–and the idea for Surfer DNA was born. Alberto assembled a remarkable mix of creatives–actors, designers, photographers, filmmakers, chefs–a global community united through surf. Each of these participants, successful in their chosen vocation but surfers by avocation, have generously shared their likeness in an effort to support those affected by the hurricane.
The opening exhibit in New York City will showcase the full roster of 39 amazingly talented individuals from both coasts. The event will take place June 5 at the SoHotel Art Space (345 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013) from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. A West Coast opening will be held in Los Angeles on June 13 at Aesthesia (12130 Washington Place, Los Angeles, CA 90066) from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The exhibit will then return to New York with an exhibit scheduled for early August at The Montauk Beach House.
An online auction via CharityBuzz will offer exclusive experiences provided by several of the most notable portrait subjects. Experiences include: a Cynthia Rowley Shopping Party Package, surfboard shaping lesson with Mike Townsend, a Fall internship with Zach Weisberg at The Inertia, five personal training sessions with celebrity fitness expert Adam Rosante, a personal portrait session with Alberto himself, and others. Each auction item will live on the CharityBuzz website from May 27 to June 21.
All proceeds from both the in person silent auction and online experience auction with Charity Buzz will help benefit the Waves for Water charity’s Sandy Relief Initiative. “Alberto’s vision is inspiring,” says Jon Rose, founder of Waves for Water. “And we are grateful to the roster of amazing and talented individuals who have come together to support this unique project.”
About Waves for Water’s Sandy Relief Initiative
Non-profit organization Waves for Water has coordinated a full-fledged Hurricane Relief Initiative in response to superstorm Sandy that has decimated the Northeastern seaboard. They are addressing the initial survival needs on many levels from first responder assistance to rubble removal and, ultimately, the rebuilding efforts. Their extensive experience with disaster relief that unique positions W4W to help organize, mobilize and deploy a strategic response initiative for the victims of Sandy primarily on the surf-based coastal communities. http://www.wavesforwater.org.
