Environs 

/inˈvīrənz/

noun

the districts around a city

the surrounding area

an adjoining region or space; vicinity

verb (formal)

to surround; enclose

Three series of photographs each glimpsing a different perspective of urban and suburban spaces comprise Environs, a solo exhibition of work by John Barbiaux. Throughout this collection of analog, digital, and composite images, Barbiaux captures the subtle inflections of everyday life within familiar surroundings. At one time a regular commuter from his suburban home to downtown Pittsburgh, Barbiaux sees this daily journey made by so many as carrying lifeblood to and from the city. It is within these shifts from stillness to movement Barbiaux finds moments of intrigue and of beauty. A street photographer at heart, Barbiaux’s affinity for candid portraiture translates to all of his subjects. Whether portraying a swift cityscape or quiet street, Barbiaux taps into the pulse of each environment, moved by the nuances and geometry of forms in plain sight.

Barbiaux’s most recent and ongoing series began during the pandemic lockdowns of 2020 and delves into small town milieus. Far from urban crowds, Barbiaux began traversing his neighborhood and the outer fringes of Pittsburgh with his film camera. He processed the initial photographs in his kitchen sink, reveling in the imperfections and a return to the basics. Absent of figures, these works embrace what many consider to be mundane: houses, cars, fences. However, amongst these overlooked backdrops, Barbiaux conjures a strong sense of place and invites the viewer to consider the narratives within.