Biography
Rod Lamborn (b. 1970, Idaho) is a distinguished visual artist specializing in film and photography. His early career as a cinematographer led him to conflict zones, where he documented the stark realities of war and the complexities of their environments. His experiences in Chechnya, East Congo, Liberia, and Afghanistan have significantly influenced his approach to visual storytelling.
Over the 28 years, being drawn to a maverick career, Lamborn has crossed many boarders internationally and creatively. A champion of innovative thinking he is an early adopter of new technologies while also maintaining a firm stance maintaining a hold on 35mm film production. Notably, he has worked on six film projects with conceptual artist Rashid Johnson, currently exhibited at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York until January 2026. With this collaboration Lamborn was able to push the threshold of camera and film which produced an image so striking that it is featured on the cover of Johnson’s Guggenheim Catalogue.
Lamborn's current practice redefines photography by exploring its potential to evoke liminal spaces. Through a kinesthetic connection to the natural world, he gestures his camera during exposure to create ethereal, painterly landscapes. His photographic practice integrates themes of perception, light, and place, encapsulated within a single frame.
He resides and works in New York City.
Artist Statement
My work explores inner voice through the lenses of spirituality, art and nature, challenging the boundaries of perception and reclamation of lost connections. This practice is not merely an act of creation; it is a deconstruction of space, where the body and mind engage in a transformative dialogue.
Inspired by the Theosophical writings of Annie Besant and C.W. Leadbeater in "Thought Forms: A Record of Clairvoyant Investigation," I encode intentions into my art, believing it serves as an energetic antenna that "awakens sympathetic vibrations" capable of transcending individual experiences. My approach defies conventional image-making, embracing a bold, unconventional methodology that seeks to redefine how we interact with visual narratives.
Through this lens, I reveal unseen stories and challenge the dynamic relationship between image and observer. Grounded in walking meditation, my heightened awareness liberates me to frame images with intentionality, transforming the act of creation into a visceral experience. This intentional process unfolds without the use of a viewfinder or monitoring equipment, allowing for an organic interaction with the environment. In this space, my body becomes an instrument, and the camera serves as a witness to the unfolding narratives.
Each photograph captures the authenticity of space and time, relying on natural light and no digital manipulation. The specialized exhibition of these images is through an immersive experience that encourages viewers to engage deeply with the work, allowing their own perceptions to connect with the narratives presented.
