Raphael Mazzucco

Africa Collection
March 2011

A native of Vancouver, Raphael Mazzucco is one of the world's most influential fashion photographers; an artist whose seductive style has not only become iconic with clients such as Victoria's Secrets, Guess Jeans, L'Oreal, Ralph Lauren and Bergdorf Goodman, but who has succeeded in capturing our attention in major publications that include French & Italian Vogue, L'Uomo Vogue, Marie Claire, L'Officiel, Playboy, Vanity Fair, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition and many more.

Raphael's arrival onto the art scene with a vision that merges his love of the photograph with the sensuality of painting has been met with critical acclaim. His work is startling in its honesty; images and pieces that in the same moment can inspire a deep pathos and spark new heights of exhilaration. His inspiration is drawn from the beauty of our ever changing world and his ability to express himself from a profoundly raw prospective will continue not only to leave his imprimatur on our culture as a whole; but will ensure his legacy as one of the most eminent image-makers of our time.

The Africa collection of visually stunning pieces shot recently in the Shompole Concervancy and the Masai Mara in Kenya. The pieces were done in collaboration with renowned Kenyan conservationist, artist designer and musician, Anthony Russell. In addition to the photographic component of the artwork, there were a variety of indigenous materials used in creating the pieces, resulting in a raw, highly kinetic and visually arresting narrative. The spirit of the collection is meant to capture the very essence of Masai tribal life and is a nod to Russell's conservation efforts in East Africa. Part of the proceeds from the exhibition will be donated to the Asali Community Trust (ACT)