Matt Frank has long held a distinctive perspective on Chelsea, a city he grew up in during its most challenging years and helped guide through its most successful periods as a City Councillor.
Now, following his retirement from politics in the last election cycle, the lifelong Chelsea resident has shifted his focus to a new passion—photography, which he now pursues with serious intent, beyond just a casual interest. Last weekend, he unveiled his first solo exhibition at the Chelsea Prospers Gallery, located in the windows of the former Salvation Army store.
““The show is up and I think we had a great
opening before the Night Market last weekend,”” he said. ““This is a show I call
‘Modern Nostalgia.’ The focus is the things we know here that we have lost. We
lost the water tower at the Soldiers’ Home and the Chelsea Clock building and
the old Clark Avenue School, which I have pictured aside the new Clark Avenue
School building…There are pictures of the downtown and the Tobin Bridge and one
of kayakers on the Creek by the Bridge at sunset. Many don’t see Chelsea as
elegant and pretty. But I think my photos are how a lot of residents see
Chelsea…It’s an aspirational image and that’s how we feel about Chelsea at its
best.””
Frank first started experimenting with a camera many years ago while working in Harvard Square, where taking pictures was a necessary part of his job. It was during this time that he captured an iconic image of Lady Gaga when she was visiting the area.
After leaving the Council, he said he was searching for a new hobby, and all signs pointed toward his camera. He invested in a better camera and returned to his hometown to begin his photography journey.
Since then, he has taken images that have received positive reactions from residents, whether he displayed them as prints or shared them online—such as motion photos of Bellingham Square, swans in Mill Creek, or sunsets over the Mystic/Tobin Bridge.
Soon, he became one of the prominent voices in what Frank and others refer to as the ‘Beautiful Chelsea’ movement.
This movement has taken various forms, including traditional photographs, as well as photo pillows, magnets, mugs, and other related items.
““It’s becoming a bit of a movement now,”” he said.
Frank expressed a desire to continue his journey by incorporating more portraits and images of people, but he also emphasized his interest in continuing to capture inspiring scenes of Chelsea.
““Maybe I’ll focus on different communities, but
honestly the Chelsea ones get a great reaction,”” he said. ““That’s because I
know Chelsea. I suspect when I take pictures of other cities, it’s the same
way. I think that what it is. My Chelsea pieces have my spirit in it. I think I
see Chelsea in the way that others from Chelsea see it.””