“THE SULTANS OF SAND” PHOTO EXHIBITION

Los Angeles-based photographer Jonathan Brandstein brings “The Sultans of Sand” to the Method Art Gallery from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, with an artist’s reception Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. During the reception 10% of the proceeds from sales will go to the nonprofit Arizona Consortium of the Arts.

In 2005 Brandstein saw a documentary on blues musicians in Mali, Africa which peaked his sense of adventure. Within six months, he was on a plane headed there to explore the region for the first time.

These series of photos are the result of those trips to Africa. They chronicle the Tuareg musical group Tinawaren as well as the nomadic life of Tuaregs in the Saharan desert.

Brandstein’s work may be familiar to some people already. Legendary musician Jimmy Buffett used one of his photos from Mali, Africa as the cover art for his 2009 CD “Buffet Hotel.” His work is also on display at the famed Roxy Theater on Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles.

Brandstein’s inaugural exhibition in Arizona also marks the first show that will be held at Method Art Gallery (which was formerly named Artspace) at its new location 4142 N. Marshall Way.