Dean West
Dean West
Palm Springs #1, 2015 Digital C-print on Kodak Endura paper 30 in x 48 in / 50 in x 80 in / 60 in x 96 in, $2,500-$14,500 depending on size and edition Courtesy of the artist |
Using words such as ‘obsessive’, ‘highly competitive’ and ‘looking for perfection’ when describing himself, it’s not surprising that the images created by New York-based Australian photographer Dean West are a feat to produce. West, a successful commercial photographer, spends up to a year working on and revising an image, scrutinizing every detail, employing a commercial crew – producer, hair and make-up artist, wardrobe stylist, models – and has been known to move home as part of his research. All to achieve the perfect image.
Palm Springs #1 is a typical example of the meticulously choreographed, hyper-realistic scenes for which West is known. The image is a beautifully staged portrayal of a contemporary relationship that has broken down, the deer a surreal representation of a longing to be elsewhere. The mid-century modern architecture and the highly stylised imagery create a sense of nostalgia in the viewer, a feeling that this could be a recreation of a past experience, a memory of things past. Hedge, issue 39, February 2016, pp38-46 |