Fashion Peach

By Catalina Castillo.

The search for truth, authenticity and emotion is undoubtedly the most representative characteristic in Meyabe’s work, as the artist considers it.

His exhibition, called ‘NO FLASH’, marked a very important rule for the photographer: never use flash. Meyabe questioned the use of artificial light, hard and intense, in the Paris Fashion Week. «I found this violent light on the models’ faces, without even asking for their opinion.» He asserted that, on that occasion, he used the light produced by the flash of other photographers to create unique and imperfect images that reflected reality.

With the release of his second book, LIFE IN PARIS – Paris Fashion Week, he presented 230 interesting images of the event, highlighting scenarios such as the street and backstages: «it is simply a chronicle of a photographer during this event». The preface of the book is written by Loïc Prigent, the best fashion documentarian.

Meyabe has photographed great models such as Natalia Vodianova, Mariam de Vinzelle and Mica Argañaraz, among others, I have been following his work for some years and I have a deep respect and admiration for his work. Here I share a little more about his life and his creative process.

«Everything that moves in my field vision emits a sound in my head. The  movements are melodies, depending on its intensity, the volume increases or decreases. Like some kind of sonar. You might think it´s an anomaly, but I take it as some kind of power«

Could you tell me, what are the most remarkable aspects consider the highlights of your SS23 exhibition at Fashion Week?

My first LIFE IN PARIS book was a huge success. This is a book that allowed me to make myself known in a few months. We were planning to make a sequel to the book. When I finished the October season, I had the idea of displaying more than 1,200 photographs from the last season on a wall. I wanted the viewer to be able to touch the photograph, detach it from the wall, collect it, approach it … I wanted a carnal approach with the work. The same way I do for photography. This exhibition announced my next book for June 2023. SS23 vas a teaster. I am very grateful to OFRParis because their audacity and independence allow artists like me to be able to express myself as naturally as possible.

As for your work, a term that has been mentioned is ‘hypersensitivity to movement’. What does it consist of?

To be as understandable as possible, everything that moves in my field vision emits a sound in my head. The  movements are melodies, depending on its intensity, the volume increases or decreases. Like some kind of sonar. You might think it´s an anomaly, but I take it as some kind of power. I have a sharper sense of detail and I anticipate movement in my practice. Photography allows me to channel all these noises.

«Imperfection is also beautiful»

What do you think of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the production of art and images?

I hate that. I could never use it. On the other hand, I understand that some people use it the context of work. Artistically, I find it dangerous and unfortunate. It `s interesting to tell yourself that there are things that are impossible to achieve, imperfection is also beautiful. The use of artificial intelligence causes creative teams to lose contracts with sometimes significant economic consequences. It ´s sad.

You have taken photographs of highly renown models . What is the greatest challenge in capturing unique and different features of their personalities?

In general I do not worry about the notoriety of the model. I don ´t recognize everyone. Sometimes I have to ask for the names to mention them or send them the photograph on Instagram. I always try to capture moments of relaxation without being visible. I am quite observant and like to surprise. For example, a model like Jill Kortleve  exudes a beautiful soul and I love meeting her to photograph her. We don ´t know each other but I see something different in her. I remember the first time I saw it was at the Paris release for Alexander McQueen, I took a picture of it, a beautiful blue/night color was coming out, it has a natural charisma.

Could you share a memorable anecdote of your career?

The Hermès Fashion Show in September 2018, my most beautiful memory, I cried. An intense emotion. I remember the light, the reflection of the sun on the large mirrors. It was sublime.

What’s your favorite color?

Blue. This color soothes my mind.

Any photographers you admire?

I admire Peter Lindbergh, an infinite love for his photos. I also like Mario Testino and Heidi Slimane.