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Artist Statement

OCEAN MORISSET

Ocean Morisset born on November 18, 1969 is a self-taught, Haitian-American freelance photographer living in New York City. Ocean carries the name of his paternal great grandfather, who left him a legacy of pride and interest in his Haitian ancestry.

His pursuit of a photography career was temporarily deferred by Operation Desert Storm. He is a Veteran of the United States Air Force Reserves, having served as a Medical Service Specialist in Operation Desert Storm (1990-91). Ocean Morisset was awarded numerous medals including the Air Force Achievement Medal and the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal for his outstanding service. Upon his return from the war in 1991 and while still serving in the Air Force Reserves, Ocean worked for Dr. Paul Bellman as Medical Technician and Supervisor at one of the largest private AIDS practices in NYC.

Although proud of his unique service, in 2001 Ocean made the decision to concentrate on his growing passion for photography. Today he is well versed in principles of darkroom/traditional photography as well as 35mm and medium format digital photography and workflow.

In 2001 Ocean assumed a leadership role and founded the Fort Greene Photography Organization as a means of building a community of people who shared a similar passion for photography. The mission of FGPO is to provide emerging photographers a forum of camaraderie, a place to share information, and exhibit their work while providing the public access to the works of emerging photographers through exhibitions and other events. FGPO currently has 20 members, a board of directors and is approaching it's eighth anniversary with over twelve successful exhibitions to its credit.

Ocean has sought other opportunities to share his interest in photography. In 2003, under a grant secured by Cuban-American Photographer Nestor Hernandez, Ocean was selected to travel to Havana, Cuba to teach a two week photography workshop to Cuban youth. This was an enriching experience which further solidified Ocean's commitment to photography and fulfilled a desire to teach youth and help to define a personal vision.

In 2004, using his own funds and resources, Ocean traveled to Gonaives, Haiti with the Eritaj Foundation of Boston to document the aftermath of Hurricane Jeanne. He captured both the devastation of the storm and the resilience of the people in a body of work he calls "The Aftermath of Hurricane Jeanne."

These images were exhibited in December 2004 at NYC's nightclub Glo for musician Wyclef Jean's launch of 'Yele Haiti', a movement that focuses on education, entrepreneurship, community development, health and the environment in Haiti. A more extensive portfolio can be made available upon request.

In October 2005, Ocean was selected to participate in the prestigious Eddie Adams Workshop for Photojournalism.