Stories of Patrick Demarchelier by Natalia
Tkacheva
Patrick Demarchelier - one of the most successful and
highly demanded photographers in the world. Born just outside Paris in 1943 at
the age of 32 he moved to the USA. He specialises in fashion photography,
directing photo-shoots for famous magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Vanity
Fair to name a few. He works in various styles: colour, black & white and
is well known for nude photography.
Each of his pieces are there to tell a story, but viewers of his work are required to use their own imagination to interpret the direction this story is going to take.
This article expresses the vision of Patrick Demarchelier's three selected pieces out of his many inspirational works.
The
first was taken for a recently published Dior book. A gorgeous woman in a
fabulous feathery Dior gown is pictured. Demarchelier so inventively plays with
light that inevitably one wants to know, ‘Who is this woman? What are her
secrets?’
An image of a strong and sophisticated character that
is ready to take a massive step in her life. She believes that the future is
full of hope and love; hence she is turned towards the light. However, like all
of us she has something to hide. Past sorrows, tears, anger, hatred are left
behind, and covered by the dark. It is both a very
artistic and encouraging photograph… making you fall in love with this very
special, elegant dress created by one of the most famous and traditional
fashion houses. However, in looking deeper into the image, there is a
realisation that life is not just black and white. Anyone can change..?
The second choice is Natalia Vodyanova’s photograph in the shoot entitled 'Dream
Girl' for Vogue China. The colours are warm, the background is simple, and the
blurriness adds mystery and elevation. The look on her face is a mixture of
curiosity, fear of the unknown and arrogance. The way in which the black
eyeliner dilutes the innocence symbolised in the picture, gives this angelic
face a devilish look which is what fascinates the most. This
message is revealed so explicitly that it makes one shiver… It feels like this
girl is stuck somewhere in between childhood and adolescence, where naivety is
spiced up with cynicism. This is a very sensual piece of work, where fashion
photography slowly transforms into fine art.
Patrick
Demarchelier's nude photographs are highly recognized and are frequently used
in the fashion industry. This famous picture was taken for W magazine
in December 2010. Miranda Kerr is shamelessly posing on it, about 8 months
pregnant. This expresses the sheer greatness of Demarchelier's work: his
ability to portray a woman's body in its natural beauty. It was a very brave
step for Miranda to take, but in the end it all paid back. Demarchelier’s image
pictures pregnancy as a blessing from above. In this photograph, one can see a
beautiful and remarkable woman, who is proud to become a mother. This piece
reads elegance, charm and calmness. This woman is happy and a feeling of
peacefulness resonates as you look at it.
These are only few of his famous works. It is
unbelievable how human life can be so precisely depicted in a photograph.
However, if you look in depth you can maybe see something of yourself in some
of his pieces. His art is not blunt. Imagination must be used to
exploit the ideas that Patrick has left for your own story to develop.
Photos: Courtesy of Patrick Demarchelier
Author: Natalia Tkacheva
Editor: Adel Delis