Raphael Mazzucco: Fashion photographer swaps his camera for explosively colourful canvas

Mazzucco's striking multi-media collection is being exhibited in London in February

‘Vietnam Pastel II’ by Raphael Mazzucco, 2016

Canadian fashion photographer Raphael Mazzucco has swapped his camera for canvas and will be exhibiting his strikingly colourful artworks in London this February.

Mazzucco has snapped numerous celebrities and created iconic images for huge global brands throughout a 20-year photography career, including Calvin Klein, Victoria’s Secret, Playboy, Vogue and Ralph Lauren.

He arrived on the fine art scene to critical acclaim six years ago and counts Damien Hirst among his biggest supporters.

Mazzucco’s mixed media pieces are heavily inspired by the natural female form and landscape. He begins his projects with a fashion shot, before building up a layered narrative using paint, hand-lettered text and collage to create a cutting-edge, energetic feel.

Some artworks are violent, using dripping red paint and aggressive slashes, while others take a more meditative, organic approach.

Mazzucco has showcased his art all over the world, from Milan to Melbourne, Hong Kong to New York City.

The London exhibition is running for free at Castle Fine Art gallery on South Molton Street, Mayfair from 5-21 February. There will also be a Birmingham exhibition at Castle Fine Art in The Mailbox from 6-21 February.