"Anything Helps" Photography of Michael Ranta at Bokeh Gallery

PHOENIX - Oct. 21, 2014 - PRLog -- Shade Projects proudly presents “Anything Helps” the solo exhibition of Michael Ranta in Bokeh Gallery at the monOrchid. This exhibition showcases a captivating photography series exploring and illustrating the lives of the modern day “hobo” and their adventures on the American railroad, an icon of American heritage that is almost forgotten. When asked about his current series of work “Anything Helps” Ranta responded, “We live in the country of the great railroads and endless highways, both laced like a loose thread throughout the mountains and pulled tight in the high plains to such distances that the curvature of the Earth is the only disturbance between here, now, and somewhere, tomorrow”. Ranta's latest work is a intimate collection of imagery that invites the viewer into the lives of these individuals while they journey across American on the railroad, says Curator Nicole Royse.

Michael Ranta is a black and white film photographer who has exhibited extensively, continuing to travel and add photographs to his ever expanding collection. Ranta is originally from Phoenix, Arizona and is now currently living in Wyoming. Recently his work was highlighted at Ignite Phoenix #16 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Artswhen when he spoke of his experiences on the railroad. “Anything Helps” will be on display in Bokeh Gallery at the monOrchid from November 7th until November 28^th, 2014. The opening reception will be held on First Friday, November 7^th from 6-10pm with the artist in attendance. The closing reception will be held Third Friday, October 17^th from 6-10pm. See more of Michael Ranta’s photography at www.thatkidranta.com.

The monOrchid is located at 214 E. Roosevelt Street in the heart of Phoenix's downtown arts district. The building is open daily and the exhibition may be viewed during business hours. Visit our website for more information: monorchid.com. Please contact the Curator Nicole Royse by phone at (602) 810-3449 or by email at art@monorchid.com for media inquiries or a private appointment to view this exhibition.