A R T
GAIA COLLECTION
RAPHAEL MAZZUCCO
From the Greek word γαια (gaia). In Greek mythology,
Gaia was the Mother Earth goddess.
Sometimes, all we need is for the world to slow
down so that we can see, and appreciate, the beauty
around us. Leaving behind his hectic life as a fashion
photographer in NewYork to plant his family’s roots
in rural Connecticut, USA, Raphael Mazzucco used
the ear th as his canvas and let his fusion of nature,
por traiture and photography grow.
“Living on a small farm with animals and colourful birds
like my peacocks brings a sense of grounding,” says
Raphael. “I feel like I’m living a life from so long ago, so
different from the city life I came from.”
The wilderness surrounding his home and studio is
cer tainly steeped in history: the state was considered
the ‘hear tbeat’ of the American Revolution, and the
Native American tribes who changed the landscape
forever live on through the azure lakes and dense
forests.
This sense of spiritual kinship is weaved into each of
the ar tworks from the Gaia collection.The flowers, tree
bark and feathers that adorn these powerful female
warriors are a snapshot of history, born from the
families who tended to their farms and gave back to
the earth.
His own travels across the continents – from the
plains of Africa toVietnamese rice paddies – have
yielded a bountiful harvest.The original archival prints
are hand-embellished with natural elements from
around the world, connecting all of Mother Nature’s
magic. Created in Raphael’s outdoor studio, they were
exposed to the weather, developing like a photograph
under the sun’s gaze.
“Anywhere and everywhere can be an inspiration,”
explains Raphael. “Beauty is where you want to find it.
I’m fascinated by how these interactions come together
and spontaneously blossom.”
Rustic textures are juxtaposed by daubs of colourful
paint and geometric forms neatly plotted out in string
like the coordinates of a map.Viewers are invited to
navigate their journey through the layers of classical
imagery, nostalgic photography and occasional,
unexpected, glimpse of modern life.
As the second release from the Gaia series, which was
unveiled at Castle Fine Ar t galleries in 2019 to critical
acclaim, these works are bolder than their predecessors
and are framed for the first time.The collection also
includes two new limited edition prints, both of which
are hand-finished with gold foil and printed on 100%
cotton watercolour paper with a beautiful, unique
texture.
Suspended between past and present, these powerful
creations are a contemplative exploration of the time
missed between the shutter of a camera; they are a
reminder to take a deep breath and just be human.
PELE" ART, LIFE, FOOTBALL
In celebration of Pelé’s 75th Birthday and his lifetime of achievements, Halcyon Gallery has created a unique exhibition to honor this legend; his creativity, his life and his incredible sporting career.
FIFTY SHADES OF GREY I RAPHAEL MAZZUCCO I COLLECTION
This Autumn 2016, we see a collaboration of two highly influential figures. World-famous fashion photographer Raphael Mazzucco and author of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' E.L James have worked together on this delicately seductive interpretation of the best-selling series.
Fifty Shades of Grey, created and authored by E.L. James, is recognized and lauded as a global cultural phenomenon. The books have been published and in fifty-two countries, and to date over 125 million books have been sold.
With Raphael Mazzucco, E.L. James is said to have founda kindred spirit, a passionate and expressive artist who can capture the desires of a woman within the four edges of a picture frame.
The collection interprets 4 of Christian Grey's most classic, breathtaking quotes, evoking the passion and devotion we feel when reading E.L James iconic words. Mazzucco creates this iconic narrative through layers of photography, paint and hand-lettered text.
MONOPRINTS
In June of 2016, I saw a boat loaded with shipping containers and had a vision to acquire one to use with old school photography in mind.
I bought a 45' shipping container from a dock in New Jersey and transformed it into a darkroom for a process called monotype printing. A mono print is essentially a method of producing a traditional printed image that becomes an original due to the inclusion of collage, mixed media, drawing, painting and hand applied color work. Specifically, monotype printing allows considerable freedom in the approach to imagery. The process is very versatile, you can work negatively or positively, use water based or oil based inks, incorporate all manner of other materials or not- the scope to make it your own is fast. My love of working with mixed media sits well within the practice, as does my organic and uncontrived approach to creating these images, which powered the confident spontaneity that monotype printing requires.