These days there are very many photographers in fashion. Many that create images to advertise items and lure you with the temptation of what could be. Very few of these photographers actually make the transition from commercial to art. Bruno Dayan is one of these few.
When I first discovered his work I stopped and stared. Like a painting with light, the illumination of the photograph was so brilliant. There was something emotional about the model, it was a sense of narration. No matter how erotic the image was it was never a form of objectification. It was the opposite when I stared at this image, I stared because I could feel the story that was being told. There was a connection that had no vowels to describe it. It is that reflection of the subconscious in an image that manages to relate to the viewer. It is a rare experience and not one that would be expected when viewing a fashion magazine.
The trails of light, the fairytale setting, the use of antlers and candles is so refreshing and also something reminiscent of childhood.
No matter how sensual the position and state of undress that occupies the models, there is never a feeling of exploitation.
Rather, the sensualism of the image only lends itself to create a sense of spirituality.
One cannot help but wonder where these images are shot, there seems to be some palace that he manages to inhabit time and time again.
Taking fashion and telling a true story Bruno Dayan recalls paintings of the renaissance.
The use of dualities, of two becoming one is also rare. There is no competition in these photographs. There is only a sense of connection, of love even.
So who is Bruno Dayan? Where did he come from? Why is there so little information on his own entrance into the world of fashion? There are very few articles to be found on a man that has occupied many large campaigns with his surreal and dreamy images. Perhaps his mystique and preferred anonymity is a response to the over exposure of so many photographers today. Unlike Terry Richardson, you won't find him standing with his pants undone. There are not even any rumors about him.
It makes sense that his photographs would feel like art after one discovers the education that he experienced. He was born in London in 1959, but studied fine arts abroad at Concordia University in Montreal.
Apparently fashion was also a passion he had aside from fine art. It makes sense that he would combine the two.
But perhaps that is the key word, passion. When one truly loves what they are doing, when it is their dream, it is only natural that what they create would move those outside.
Having traveled all over the world, living in Asia for 11 years before settling in France (where he resides currently) it is apparent that his sense of composition is quite reflective of such lifestyle.
Traveling can often cause one to look inward and dream. There is something voyeuristic about seeing the world as a stranger.
Despite being a freelance artist that is not associated with any agencies, he has made contributions to very many magazines and campaigns. These contributions include Amica Italy, Numero, German and Russian Vogue, as well as campaigns for such fashion names as Christian Lacroix, Louis Vuitton, Moschino, and Yves St Laurent.
But even with all of his publications his images never look like advertisements.
Instead they are like a lucid dream, a forgotten lover, a story you remember from your childhood. Bruno Dayan is a photographer that takes concepts that could be demeaning and turns them upside down, creating a sense of strength in vulnerability.
There is nothing more powerful than the subconscious when it is truly unleashed.
I am grateful for his quiet influence in the world of fashion. His images are inspiring an entire generation of new photographers to look farther than the eye of the camera.
To look inward.
Fin.
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