Artist Biography
John Kitts (born 1957) is a distinguished photographer renowned for his mastery in capturing breathtaking black and white imagery using an Arca Swiss large format camera. His portfolio encompasses a diverse array of subjects including landscapes, architectural marvels, and the wonders of the natural world, all infused with meticulous attention to detail and composition.
Inspired by the works of photography luminaries such as Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, and Mark Klett, Kitts has dedicated over three decades to refining his craft. He has had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of West Coast legends like Kim Weston, grandson of Edward Weston, and Randy Efros, assistant to Brett Weston. This immersion in traditional darkroom techniques has enabled Kitts to craft timeless and emotive images that invite viewers to perceive the world from a fresh perspective, with each frame telling a captivating story of beauty and contemplation.
With over 25 years of experience working for Bank of America's art collection across the western United States and collaborating with numerous fine art photography galleries, Kitts has had the opportunity to glean insights from esteemed silver gelatin print collections. In 2005, he further solidified his commitment to the photography community by establishing a fine art photography gallery and co-founding the InFocus photography support group for the Phoenix Art Museum. His contributions to the art world have been recognized with one of his images being added to the permanent collection of the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, alongside numerous exhibitions across the Southwest and placements in private collections.
Kitts' signature style revolves around the exploration of light and shadow, form and texture, using black and white film photography as his medium of choice. His images captivate viewers with their visual allure and emotional depth, inviting them to pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in the profound beauty of the world captured through the lens of a truly gifted artist
Exhibitions
​Cycle #10
Portland on the Park
Phoenix, AZ
2023
​Magnificent Monochrome
8th National Juried Photgraphy Show
SAGE Community Arts
Sheridan, WY
2023
Earth Elements
Shemer Art Center
Phoenix, AZ
2022
27 Artists' Art Exhibit
Flinn Foundation w/ Artlink
Phoenix, AZ
2022
Only Black & White
Shemer Art Center
Phoenix, AZ
2021
Art in the Garden
Shemer Art Center
Phoenix, AZ
2020
Imageworks Member Summer Exhibition
FOUND:RE Hotel
Phoenix, AZ
2019
Abstract Image
Southeast Center for Photography Greensville, SC
2017
Force of Nature
Shemer Art Center
Phoenix, AZ
2017
Imageworks Group Show
Arizona Art Alliance Gallery
Scottsdale, AZ
2014
Light Sensitive
Art Intersection
Gilbert, AZ
2013
Landscapes
Method Art Gallery
Scottsdale, AZ
2011
3 Johns
422 Gallery
Phoenix, AZ
2007
The Qualities of LIGHT
Center for Creative Photography, Tucson, AZ
2019
Imageworks Member
FOUND:RE Hotel
Phoenix, AZ
2018
Landscapes
Cattle Track Gallery
Scottsdale, AZ
2017
Diverse Analogue Photography
Method Art Gallery
Scottsdale, AZ
2015
Imageworks Group Show
Gamage Auditorium
Tempe, AZ
2013
Imageworks Group Show
The Vault Gallery
Scottsdale, AZ
2011
Carmel Art & Film Festival
Carmel, CA
2009
Scotland Platinum Prints
422 Gallery
Phoenix, AZ
2006
Black and White Photographs
Annie Waters Gallery
Phoenix, AZ
2005
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