Alexander Khokhlov, Photography

Alexander Khokhlov and Veronica Ershova is a photographers duo world renowned for it’s creative projects. Unconventional ideas and daring approach to common shootings are their calling card.

2D or not 2D?

Most talked-about series Weird Beauty and 2D or not 2D were created in collaboration with famous russian make-up artist Valeriya Kutsan. Mix of face art, photography and post-production allowed to create optical illusions. 2D or not 2D series were included in Designcollector’s top-10 of Russian projects in 2013.

Optical illusion photography is something that has always mesmerized me, it blurs the lines between art direction and real life, I think it could push animation, because as animators we always say what's the point in doing this animated when it could be done in live action, if that's the case then there is no point. By looking at optical illusion photography you can see what aesthetics would be capable in live action. I also think that they always have really nice compositions and lighting techniques that could inspire my work.

I think it's interesting that this couple did an exhibition that was amazingly colourful and then there next was Weird Beauty was striking in comparison in Black and White. The diversity of their photography style even though they specialise in portrait pieces pushes itself as will continue to do so.

Weird Beauty

In this collection of photo's (bare in mind, I only chose a few from each selection there is an overwhelming number to look at, all visually striking), the lightening face is the most captivating to me. It's so cool how flat the lightening bolt looks.

I think it's important to recognise at this stage that it has come about from a collaboration with a top makeup artist, and I think as photographer's they could of pushed themselves more. I appreciate that they were really trying to push the emphasis on the make-up but from a photography point of view, I much prefer the compositions in the series White Garden.

White Garden

I feel like by this selection of work as photographers it's really matured. I like the space around the focal point. I only think they could of done more in the art side, the white paint on the bodies looks a bit patchy. Their could have been more detail in the flowers. I like it because it explores fantasy themes and it's real life but it's a bit magical. I wonder what the male equivalent of White Garden would be, Black City?


http://www.alexanderkhokhlov.com/