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.”
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