Paul Plews
Artist Statement
Modern Classics series
"For these portraits, heavy influences came from the works of the Dutch Masters, Rembrandt and Vermeer. I have long been an admirer of their atmospheric use of light, and for their beautiful rendition of light on objects, skin and clothing. I hoped to capture some of these elements in a series of portraits as well as adding some more contemporary touches.
The works of these two artists were highly decorative as well as being culturaly referential. I felt it was important to continue the decorative nature of the works, as well as exploring recent cultural and technological changes in photography.
Having previously worked in the traditions of the deadpan school of photography, these pictures were a test of my skills, and of the strength of my vision. Working closely with a fashion stylist to make sure the clothing was modern yet elegant, the pictures fit in with the tradition of displaying wealth and social status through dress.
The choice of Japanese sitters was central to the idea in terms of creating 'modern classics'. The signature European style of artwork, combined with the dignified and poised nature of the subjects created an interesting juxtaposition of east/west and old/new.
Through our cultural assumptions we associate the Japanese with technical excellence, modernity and a futuristic outlook. With many Japanese companies being involved in the recent advances in digital technology, photography is now well and truly seen to be in the 'digital age'.
Digital is now such an accepted part of everyday life as a photographer that it's easy to forget what a recent change it has been. However, despite all of the advances this shoot was my first digital shoot.
How ironic that the medium, which supposedly signalled 'the death of painting' is instead the one that brings the essence of its master works to a new audience."