Michal Chelbin

A Look At...  Michal Chelbin, Israeli photographer based in Brooklyn.

Michal Chelbin was born in Israel in 1974.  She became interested in photography at the age of 15.  In her early twenties,  she served two mandatory years in the Israeli military.   Talking of her time as a news photographer following her army service, she says, “i hated every minute of it. I couldn’t photograph people in their grief, crying in hospitals or in courtrooms.”  Chelbin’s work is reminiscent of Diane Arbus in her choice of subjects (acrobats, athletes and other travellers).  Her recurring subjects are children and adolescents. “I search for people who have a legendary quality about them- a mix between odd and ordinary.” (Courtesy of Aperture Foundation)

Michal Chelbin Photography