Tony Chirinos, an associate senior professor of photography at Kendall Campus, is hosting a signing event for his book The Precipice at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave. in Coral Gables, on Sept. 22 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Precipice is a compilation of his work from his 15 years as a biomedical photographer in Miami. It is divided into three parts: photos of surgery, medical tools and death.
Chirinos shot more than 781 rolls and printed more than 2,000 photos before condensing the 96-page book to 75 images. He wanted to feature the hidden artistry that is oftentimes overlooked in the surgical and mortuary sciences.
“I don’t view my work as morbid,” Chirinos said. “It is called the surgery theater for a reason, there is an intense drama watching a person get cut open, a sense of shock. There are stage lights, it is like an opera.”
Chirinos started training as a biomedical photographer in 1985 at Miami Children’s Hospital. Four years later, he was appointed director of biomedical photography at Baptist Health Systems where he served until 2001.
The 56-year-old has an associate’s degree in photography from Miami Dade College, a bachelor’s degree in photography from Florida International University and a master of fine arts degree from Columbia University.
“Death is interesting because well, we all die,” Chirinos said. “It’s inevitable, which is why it’s been such a popular topic with artists for years.”
