Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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the Fighting Spirit for photographer ian travis barnard, the modern fight is as primal— and urgent—as ever. photography by ian travis barnard "The human body is an incredible showcase of power and grace," says photographer Ian Travis Barnard, who finds those qualities on display in Greater Boston's boxing circles. here: MMA fighter Sean Soriano after defeating Lee Metcalf in Lincoln, Rhode Island. In a world that seems increasingly sophisticated, in which the survivalist instincts of eons past is thought to have grown dis- tant, Boston photographer Ian Travis Barnard can't help but notice the fight that remains within us all. It's a fighting spirit exemplified inside the boxing ring, says Barnard, who has for a de- cade steadily documented the personalities, talent, and motivation driving New England's pugilist scene. "People inspire me, but es- pecially bodies in motion," says Barnard. "The human body is an incredible show- case of power and grace." This photograph captures the moment mixed martial arts fighter Sean Soriano defeated Lee Metcalf at the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island. "Soriano had just dropped his opponent with a monster haymaker, and a split second [later] he was launching himself onto the side of the cage. I did my best to stick with the action. My dad [photographer Jeremy Barnard] always told me the key is just 'F8 [a camera sensor] and be there.'" Though Barnard is entranced by athletes possessing powerful physical energy (he's a cherished photographer at the Boston Ballet, as well), our human instinct for battle does not escape his notice. "The battle to find a sense of self amongst the chaos is the true fight these days," he says. "I view things like mixed martial arts as a more pure form of conflict. The fighting cage offers an answer every time." iantravisbarnard.com . 14 bostoncommon-magazine.com full frontal