In his “The Human Pulse” series on the universality of humanity, John Elliott seeks to explore the dynamic and interconnected movements of people within the depth of physical space. With a deep aspiration to bear witness to the cultural and social conditions encountered, the work aims to demonstrate the incredible and fascinating diversity of the human experience. The scenes are presented with honesty, bringing to light the subjects’ life challenges and nuanced reactions.
The unique angles in each scene reflect vantage points from the artist’s dreams — floating above, sometimes at a distance, yet still connected to the moment. “The Human Pulse” is an ongoing project shaped by the artist’s life in or travels through 32 countries. Drawn to moments of ambiguity, the artist embraces the idea that questions often reveal more than answers.
Elliott graduated from Ohio University, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and double minors in Spanish and International Studies. He subsequently attended Harvard University to study Arabic in 1978 and the U.S. Foreign Service Institute in 2011 and 2014 for Portuguese, Arabic and diplomatic studies. In 1984, he taught photography and video production at the Art Institute of Atlanta, then worked for ten years as a corporate communications manager near Atlanta, with concurrent service for four years as a U.S. Army Reserves photographer. Founder of the Ocala Photography Club, Elliott has exhibited his work in solo and group shows across four continents since 1973.
Opening in the Balcony for Florida Artists, June 21, 2025-January 18, 2026.
(pictured: “Bliss Ride (Giza, Egypt),” 2015, Digital: Nikon D610 Full Frame, Courtesy of the artist.)
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