STATES OF AMERICA
by Michael Ormerod
Michael Ormerod was a British photographer known for his striking and unflinching portrayal of the American landscape and its people. Born in Cheshire, England, Ormerod developed an enduring fascination with the United States. His work captures a raw, often melancholic beauty in the overlooked corners of American life, balancing stark social commentary with poetic visual storytelling.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ormerod embarked on extensive road trips across the U.S., driven by a deep curiosity about the spaces and people living on the fringes of society. His photographs frequently consist of themes of decay, alienation and resilience - motels glowing under fluorescent lights, rusting billboards on empty highways and solitary figures navigating expansive, unforgiving landscapes.
Ormerod’s photographic style combines sharp composition with an intuitive understanding of light, shadow and texture. His images are often cinematic, yet deeply personal, offering a glimpse into moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed. He had an ability to see beauty in the mundane, capturing a fleeting sense of vulnerability in his subjects - both human and environmental.
Though his life and career were tragically cut short in 1991, Ormerod’s legacy continues to grow. His work remains profoundly relevant today, offering an unfiltered reflection on societal divisions, environmental neglect and the enduring human spirit. Recent retrospectives, including exhibitions and photobooks, have reignited interest in his archive, cementing his place as a vital voice in contemporary American photography.
