Welcome to the seventeenth insertion of DEMUR®, an analytical series highlighting the intricacies of the artistic world and the minutiae lying within. In this episode we’ll be looking through an analytical lens of Hedi Slimane’s undying love for photography, a razor sharp, hazing love for still yet enthralling movement.
Born in France, 1968 - by the age of 11 Hedi Slimane had obtained a Nikon FM mechanical camera, igniting the flame that would lead artistic triumph, jarring imagery and compelling artistry. However, the creative didn’t begin with intent for fame or riches, the passion simply grew with him, drawn to feelings, boredom displayed through still frames and transcending portraits. Slimane used the ability to capture raw intimacy, defining himself with a unique style reminiscent of a gripping vice, speaking through nuance of a fleeting instant. In essence, Slimane drew his viewer in through his black and white photography, but filled the absence of colour with technique and definition.
Releasing his first photography collection in 2002 under namesake ‘Berlin’, the now renown designer had just departed from Yves Saint Laurent - marking the true beginning of his professional photography career. He documented the Berlin scene in full alongside Karl Lagerfeld, roaming the districts and authenticities of Germany for a Residency Project. Slimane then moved forth to produce ‘Stage’, an ensemble highlighting the rock rival of the early 00’s in 2004, with features from The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and The Libertines. Slimane began developing his signature style around this time, a fascination brewing under the limelight of Rock n’ Roll.
Shortly after ‘Stage’, ‘London Birth of a Cult’, and “London’ (2005) were released, focusing on Britain's surrounding rock culture while Slimane distilled his forte. He then departed from Paris and relocated to California in 2007, ensuing an onslaught of America centric works found on his digital diary. Delicately latching the radical hinge after departing from Dior that same year, Slimane further pursued a gratifying approach to photography, departing in 2020 with a portfolio chalked of ironically saturating imagery.
