Issue 20 - In Conversation with .. 9!

Tarot cards play a pivotal role in the visual
narrative of “Bitter Moon.” How do they
contribute to the mystical storytelling aspect
of the project?
Since every single card features a unique coal
drawing by Magdalena Piech, the cards perfectly
came with a story of their own. Each card,
meticulously illustrated by Magdalena Piech in
coal, carries its own narrative.
Magda’s intimate involvement is portrayed as she
models with her tarot set, reflecting the countless
hours invested in each motif, painstakingly drawn
and brought to life through coal before finding its
place on the cards, designed and photographed
by me.
The fusion of sensuality and avant-garde is
prominently showcased in “Bitter Moon”
through the use of skin-tight latex. How does this
symbolize the intersection of art, fashion, and
technology?
Latex is truly fascinating; its futuristic appearance
and the fact that it’s derived from rubber trees
give it a distinct texture and aesthetic. Personally,
I believe latex represents a glimpse into the future
of fashion, where plant-based materials will
replace the skin of other animals, their hair, their
silk, and their wool.
Working with such a forward-looking
material is not just incredible; it has become
one of my favourite aspects of photo shoots
in recent years.
In “Bitter Moon,” both Magdalena Piech
and yourself challenge artistic norms and
redefine the boundaries of creativity.
Can you share some insights into this
boundary-pushing collaboration?
Magdalena Piech and I embrace a creative,
out-of-the-box mindset, leading us to adopt
a novel approach for this product shoot.
Integrating Artificial Intelligence into our
artistic toolkit alongside traditional mediums
like photography and coal drawing opens
up avenues for entirely unprecedented
outcomes.
This synergy of AI and classic artistic
expression mirrors the transformative impact
that photography had on painting when it
was first introduced.
While AI doesn’t replace traditional
methods, it enriches the creative process.
It’s essential to note that I exclusively
used ethically sourced AI, primarily from
databases with copyrights, such as Firefly
AI.
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