Inside Photography Photography: The Lens and Photography Taught Us How to See
Tony Chirinos, lecturer
The lens and photography have taught us how to see — not just in the realm of art, but across science, technology and everyday life. Through cameras, microscopes, telescopes and other optical instruments, the lens has expanded our perception, revealing worlds beyond the limits of human sight. Photography trains our eyes to appreciate light, composition and emotion, while microscopes unveil the intricate structures of life, and telescopes expose the vastness of the cosmos. From capturing fleeting moments to unlocking the mysteries of the universe, the lens has transformed our understanding of reality, sharpening both our artistic vision and scientific curiosity.
Tony Chirinos is a Venezuelan-born documentary style artist. His career spans over 40 years exploring the theme of death and the vulnerability of life. Chirinos is a recipient of fellowships including the prestigious John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation (2023); South Florida Cultural Consortium (2010), recipient of Callanan Excellence in Teaching Award (2019) and awarded the William Talbott Hillman Foundation grant (2021) to financially assist in the printing production of his first monograph The Precipice. Chirinos has a Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University. Trained as a biomedical photographer in 1985 at Miami Children’s Hospital and, in 1989, he created the medical photography department at Baptist Health Systems. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. He has participated in the III Bronx Latin American Art Biennial. His photographic series have been featured in The Washington Post, Photo Eye, Nueva Luz, Slate, Daily Mail, Business Insider and Fotofilmic. Chirinos was among 100 photographers that participated in Review Santa Fe 2012, 2018 and 2019. His work is in the collections of Candela Collection, CPW, Light Work, Photographic Center Northwest, Enfoco, and Mount Sinai Medical Center. Mr. Chirinos is a professor of photography at Miami Dade College.
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