In the world of fashion photography, where deadlines and creative briefs often dictate the outcome, a new limited-edition book, ‘Already Past and Already Again There,’ by photographer Zoë Ghertner and makeup artist Thomas de Kluyver stands as a testament to the power of unbridled artistic freedom.
“We started making pictures for this project without an end goal in mind,” explains de Kluyver, shedding light on their unconventional approach. “We wanted to collaborate in a really free way, without the typical parameters of shooting. No deadline, no fashion credits – no starting concept really,” adds Ghertner. The duo sought to break free from the constraints of magazine assignments, extending their shooting process over an extended period, allowing them to organically progress through life’s experiences and meet up whenever the inspiration struck. This sense of openness became the driving force behind their creative endeavor.
The result of this liberating approach is a mesmerizing series of images that effortlessly juxtapose the rawness of human skin with a captivating array of textures and materials. Imagine the striking contrast of clumpy neon-orange mascara against a pale, freckled complexion, or the ethereal beauty of beaded embellishments adorning wet skin. The vibrant hues of gloopy lip color, seemingly oozing into water, add another layer of captivating intrigue to the collection.
“Our subjects were both connected to the earth while also drifting off into their emotions, through fluttering materials flowing off of their bodies,” Ghertner eloquently describes the essence of their work. They skillfully captured the essence of their subjects’ inner worlds, translating their emotions and vulnerabilities into poignant visual narratives.
The book, which showcases work captured over the course of three years, is a testament to the power of long-term artistic exploration. Designed by Jonny Lu, the book seamlessly extends the flowing feeling of Ghertner and de Kluyver’s photography into the printed space. “He created a continuum of pages, folding out and unbound, which is held by a textural brown cover and slipped into beautiful, transparent paper,” Ghertner explains. This innovative design further enhances the immersive experience, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the world of ‘Already Past and Already Again There.’
With a limited run of only 500 copies, this extraordinary book is a collector’s treasure, offering a unique glimpse into the artistic partnership between Zoë Ghertner and Thomas de Kluyver. Its unconventional approach, captivating imagery, and thoughtful design make it a must-have for art enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike.