GRASS ROOTS
The world is moving on so far, so quickly, but I feel like these photos will be timeless, capturing a living landscape that I’ve had the joy of experiencing. Raphael Mazzucco
RAPHAEL MAZZUCCO
“The Grass Roots 2023 collection is truly about the raw beauty and the natural colours of the environments; whether they are sepia or bright they bring me back to another time. The world is moving on so far, so quickly, but I feel like these photos will be timeless, capturing a moment in time and a living landscape that I’ve had the joy of experiencing and being a part of. The titles for this collection were chosen with the words of the tribal people that we met in the Amazon. “The memory of that trip which stands out the most to me is being on a boat in the middle of nowhere going down the river, experiencing the beautiful nature and visiting little towns along the way. Seeing and experiencing the traditional lifestyle of native Americans existing in today’s world is an extraordinary pleasure.” Raphael totally immerses himself in the part of the world he’s visiting, and the people who live there, which hugely influences his work. “The trip to Brazil lasted 27 days, travelling on a boat going down to the Rio Negro”, remembers Raphael. “Shooting is always very unpredictable, and you need to allow yourself a lot of time to get what you need”. Raphael enjoys the intimacy of his location shoots, and working with a small team, which enables him to get much closer to the environment and its people.
Following a much-anticipated return to the UK with his 2022 solo exhibition Grass Roots at The ICC Birmingham, we return our focus to the prodigious Raphael Mazzucco with much excitement for Grass Roots Volume 2, a collection well worth the year-long wait. Grass Roots took its foundation from the time Raphael spent during lockdown revisiting his personal photography archives, namely of his first shoot of Africa with Vogue Greece. Raphael was moved by the imagery to return to the collage style of his early original works featuring organic natural imagery, animals and indigenous subjects in tones that mimic their environments. Originally created in sepia tones representing the grasslands of the Massai Mara, Grass Roots volume 2 is further enlivened with the warm and vivid tones of the Amazon, presenting imagery from his 27-day voyage along the Rio Negro in northern Brazil. The new colour palette is a natural development of the Grass Roots collection, featuring rich and vibrant tones to mirror the Brazilian culture witnessed by Raphael on his expedition through the country. “The new works have moved forward in a much more colourful and vibrant way,” explains Raphael. “I am using rich tones of orange, red, blue and yellow, reflecting the vibrant Brazilian culture I saw on my trip.”
Described by influential photojournalist and friend Peter Beard, known for his work in Africa, as: “one of the greatest artists today...life enhancing”, with Grass Roots volume 2 we are again reminded of the incredible artistry of Rapheal’s multi-disciplined approach to his work. With art permeating every facet of his life, his originals become a living documentary transitioning from the challenging and beautiful images he creates on location to the time taken to carefully design and layer the final piece. It’s this cutting-edge fine art, rooted in the rich cultural heritage of artists including Eve Arnold, Peter Beard and Fracis Bacon that called influential art dealer Louis Meisel to herald Raphael as “one of the most exciting contemporary artists”. Drawing on some of his favourite artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, Raphael combines his location photographs, painting and mixed media collage in resin using double exposure and layering techniques that beg close inspection, with intricate new details that come to light with each new look. His passion for synchronicity between his subjects and settings, coupled with a sensual aesthetic, has resulted in some of the most relevant contemporary imagery today, heralding a new age of art.
“When I shot in the Amazon, I took my son, the model, and an assistant, and that was it. I think it’s always important to have someone from the area who really knows it well. You also have to work with models who are resilient and can adapt to whatever happens on a shoot.” The feminine is also an important element in Raphael’s work, and the Grass Roots 2023 collection features strong images of women. “The female form represents the celebration of humanity and life, and how one lives in their environment. The pieces are also a celebration of female sensuality, and seeing women’s natural beauty,” he explains. The experiences Raphael has on his intense trips naturally make their way into his art, and he is starting ideas for new works even whilst he is travelling. “When I am on these types of immersive trips, I bring a small printer and print the 5 x 7 photos which later I put into the resin of the original pieces,” he explains. Back in his studio at home in Connecticut, Raphael layers these photographs with journal entries from his trips and paints. “I love the work which comes after the photograph, telling a story through layers, rather than just the simple photograph.”
Kigeni I Nyekundu (Red) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 48” x 48”
Kigeni I Bluu (Blue) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 48” x 48”
Paraiso (Paradise) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 47½” x 39½”
Jua (Sun) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 47” x 39½”
Mwanga (Light) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 31½” x 39½”
Kutoroka (Escape) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 30” x 40”
Espírito (Spirit) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 40” x 30”
Kigeni I Turquoise (Turquoise) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 25½” x 25½”
Kigeni I Zambarau (Purple) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 25½” x 25½”
Amore de Mae (Mothers Love) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 26” x 39½”
Livre (Free) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 40” x 30”
Rituais (Rituals) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 28” x 39”
Kigeni I Reverse Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 40” x 47”
Kigeni I Collage Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 24” x 36”
Kigeni I Pink Ya Moto (Hot Pink) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 25½” x 25½”
Kumbusha (Reminisce) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 54” x 23½”
Selva (Jungle) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 39½” x 27”
Kuishi (Survival) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 46” x 39½”
Sehemu (Segments) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 60” x 40”
Heri (Blessed) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 60” x 40”
Kigeni I Machungwa (Orange) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 48” x 48”
Serengeti Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 45” x 30”
Wakati (Time) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 40½” x 30”
Kuhama (Migrate) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 40 x 31”
Kumbusu (Sunkissed) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 39½” x 29”
Rei Pintado (Painted King) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 39½” x 26”
Kucheza (Play) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 39½” x 39½”
Jamaa (Kindred) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 39½” x 28½”
Shahidi (Witness) Archival Print, Mixed Media, Encased in Resin Image Size 39½” x 47”
SIGNED LIMITED EDITION PRINTS
Set of Two Boxed Canvas with Gloss Resin Varnish £2,250
Kigeni Boxed Canvas with Gloss Resin Varnish Framed Size 40” x 40” | Edition of 195 £1,250
Kloo Boxed Canvas with Gloss Resin Varnish Framed Size 40” x 40” | Edition of 195 £1,250
BIOGRAPHY Raphael Mazzucco is one of the world’s most influential fashion photographers and contemporary artists, critically acclaimed for his singular eye and captivating aesthetic. After years spent honing his craft in Italy, France and Amsterdam, his arrival in New York City garnered attention from some of fashion’s elite and he went on to create iconic imagery for the likes of Victoria’s Secret, Guess Jeans, L’Oréal, Ralph Lauren and Bergdorf Goodman. His imagery has appeared in L’Officiel, French and Italian Vogue, Marie Claire, Playboy and Vanity Fair, featuring not only his editorial fashion imagery but celebrity portraiture of notable actors including Benicio Del Toro, Matt Damon, Susan Sarandon and Elizabeth Banks. A two-year tour of exhibitions in Milan, Florence, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Singapore, Los Angeles, Miami and New York City was met with critical praise. Following the tour, Raphael immediately launched into an artwork and photo essay book collaboration with music impresario Jimmy Iovine and rap producer Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. He has been profiled by major titles like The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker and The New York Times. Paris Vogue has also featured Raphael several times, commenting that his style ‘oozes sensuality and charm’. Raphael’s artistic visual narrative captures the human form set against a backdrop of startling landscapes spanning the continents, from Icelandic glaciers to African wildlife, and the outback of Western Australia to Vietnamese rice paddies. He incorporates these documentary forms into building a layered narrative through paint, collages, and hand-lettered text. Through these works, we journey alongside Raphael through terrains both geographic and emotional. Raphael Mazzucco is irrefutably a lover of life. His passion for synchronicity between his subjects and settings, coupled with a sensual aesthetic, has arguably resulted in some of the most relevant photography today, heralding a new age of art. A native of Vancouver, Canada, Raphael lives in Lebanon, Connecticut, with his wife Lisa, son Sascha and daughter-in-law Celine.
EXHIBITIONS
ENGLAND 2023 “Grass Roots” volume 2 exhibited nationwide at Castle Fine Art Galleries
LONDON, ENGLAND February 5th, 2016 This striking exhibition from one of the world’s most influential photographers, Raphael Mazzucco, consists of original works and his debut limited edition print collection. Castle Fine Art, South Molton Street, London BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND February 6th, 2016 This striking exhibition from one of the world’s most influential photographers, Raphael Mazzucco, consists of original works and his
MIAMI, USA December 7th, 2014 Delano Hotel for Art Basel
MILAN, ITALY February 28th, 2009 Presented at the Spazio Ventura XV-Milan
FLORENCE, ITALY November 15th, 2008 Presented at the Palazzo Corsini
MIAMI, USA December 5th, 2013 Delano Hotel for Art Basel
ENGLAND 2022
“Grass Roots” volume 1, a solo exhibition by Raphael Mazzucco at Castle Fine Art, ICC, Birmingham
SOUTH HAMPTON, USA August 25th, 2008 Presented at the Valnmorbida estate
MONTAUK, USA August 10th, 2013
Interview Magazine presents a private showing of Raphael Mazzucco’s new collection “The American Tour”
ENGLAND 2020 “GAIA” volume 2 exhibited nationwide at Castle Fine Art Galleries
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA May 23rd, 2008 Presented at the Toorak Mansion
debut limited edition print collection. Castle Fine Art, Mailbox, Birmingham
MIAMI, USA December 6th, 2012 Rosenbaum Gallery Presents “The 66th parallel: The Iceland Collection” Art Basel
NEW YORK CITY, USA January 23rd - February 10th, 2016 “Figurative Abstractions” art exhibition at Hoerle-Guggenheim Gallery
ENGLAND September 2019 “GAIA” exhibited nationwide at Castle Fine Art Galleries
BEVERLY HILLS, USA April 26th, 2007 Beverly Hills Hotel Garden
HONG KONG March 21st, 2012
MIAMI, USA December 1st - 6th, 2015 Scope Miami Beach
NEW YORK CITY, USA April 19th, 2007 157 East 84th Street
SARDINIA, ITALY July 2019 To Honor Raphael Mazzucco at the Passeggiata in Porto Cervo curated by Oblyon
Alicia Zarou Scanlon and Gallery Reis present Raphael Mazzucco at the Cat Street Gallery
LONDON, ENGLAND September 26th - October 18th, 2015 “PELE - ART LIFE FOOTBALL” art exhibition at Halcyon Gallery
NEW YORK CITY, USA 2006 Presented at the Valmorbida Estate
LOS ANGELES, USA Sunset Marquis 2011
NEW YORK CITY, USA September 2018
Introducing Culo by Mazzucco, the show at the 2011 Grammys After Party with Jimmy Iovine
“Never Ending Summer” exhibition at Chase Contemporary, New York and Castle Fine Art Galleries, United Kingdom
IBIZA, SPAIN July 2015 One month show at Cavelli
MIAMI, USA December 2nd, 2011 Mr. Chow presents CULO by Mazzucco at Art Basel
ENGLAND July 2017 “Exposure” nationwide art exhibition at Castle Fine Art
LONDON, ENGLAND June 12th - July 13th, 2015 “Montauk” art exhibition at Castle Fine Art, Mayfair
NEW YORK CITY, USA October 9th, 2011 Presented at the Tony Shafrazi Gallery
LONDON, ENGLAND October 26th 2016 50 Shades Of Grey at BAFTA Meeting of minds between Raphael Mazzucco and E.L.James
SINGAPORE March 12th, 2011 Alicia Zarou Scanlon and Gallery Reis Present Raphael Mazzucco
LONDON, ENGLAND May 14th - June 13th, 2015 “Villains and Heroes” art exhibition at Halcyon Gallery
NEW YORK, USA September 7th - October 6th, 2016 HG Contemporary - Été Sans Fin
TORONTO, CANADA April 1st, 2009 Lancome presents Raphael Mazzucco for Luminato
LONDON, ENGLAND April 17th - 24th, 2015 “Biophilia” art exhibition at Castle Fine Art, Mayfair
The images contained within this literature are an artistic representation of the collection. To best experience our art, we recommend you contact your local gallery to arrange a viewing. © Washington Green 2023. The content of this brochure is subject to copyright and no part can be reproduced without prior permission. washingtongreen.co.uk
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