photos: Andrea Galad
The Italian born photographer Andrea Galad creates dark visual worlds. He shows flawed creatures, demons, angels, beautiful beasts and monsters. Yet, Andrea’s world is as dark as it is warm, always moving between the poles. Since, ultimately, what are we? We are imperfect creatures, never just one thing, we are many-faced, conflicted and illogical.
The Berlin-based artist could be called a Neo-Romantic but that would simplify his work. His early influences vary, from a classic cultural upbringing, formal piano lessons to art history and Victorian literature. While his photographs are reminiscent of romantic paintings, ancient greek statues, and classical mythology alike. All these influences are visible in his art. As a child Andrea realized that he could not recreate the perfect images in his mind with paint. So, he decided for photography. But, rather than just depicting reality he is fascinated by creating an altered one. His photos are purposely manipulated and open visual doors to another world. His latest work reminds us of medieval icon paintings fused with dark contemporary photography. We see halos on unholy figures, disembodied arms and wings growing out of human shoulders.
Andrea shows the theatre piece we are all performing and he illustrates with beautiful, dark imagery, this every day drama in the weird intermediate zone between demon and angel.
If you want to see more, you can find Andrea’s work on his tumblr or instagram.
