Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles D'Avignon (1907) has long been considered one of the first important paintings in the development of both Cubism and modern art. In addition to the angularity and flat perspective, his controversial depiction of five nude prostitutes in a brothel on Barcelona’s Avinyó Street includes two of the women wearing African tribal masks. The source of the inspiration for these masks is a subject of great debate, and one that Picasso himself never fully disclosed other than to say that he was influenced by Iberian sculpture.
One story holds that Picasso purchased two Iberian sculptures stolen from the Louvre by Honoré Joseph Géry Pieret (also known as the Baron d’Ormeson), and may have even commissioned their theft through the poet Guillaume Apollinaire, specifically for inspiration during the painting of Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. As the Parisian police closed in on their deed, the two men wandered the Right Bank in the dead of night, looking for an opportune time to throw them into the Seine! Unable to destroy them, he later returned them to the authorities, claiming not only that he did not know the statues were stolen, but denied knowing the other two men. All three men were later implicated in the infamous theft of the Mona Lisa.
His numerous original sketches for the painting included two sailors, but he later decided to abandon any anecdotal material and direct the eroticism of the prostitutes directly at the viewer. Juxtaposed with this immediacy, the masks caused an even more unsettling relationship with the painting.
In one of Picasso’s original renderings, I noticed that the women looked very savage, even animalistic. So I decided to do my own take on this image, combining my love for Picasso with my fascination for all things Kubrick. The expressionless animal masks gave the models a magical anonymity that was simultaneously sensual and creepy.
It took a lot of planning and research to pull this shoot together, but it was worth every minute—once everything was in place, the shoot itself took only an hour to complete.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
LES DEMOISELLES D'AVIGNON.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
MARKETA BACK IN NEW YORK FOR RAPUNZEL SHOOT.
"Their chemistry on set is immediately apparent."
- Joe Chalifoux, Production Assistant
Marketa Belonoha, the iconic model from the Czech Republic, has once again graced the lens of photographer Sean Hus Var.
HUS VAR selected Marketa again for his MIND ASKEW series, this time in a modern recreation of the German fairy tale Rapunzel. Sean sent the PA on the usual dizzying rounds in search of MacGyver-like props, and without giving too much away, there were around 50 packs of hair extensions, autumn leaves, and a bathtub! Be on the lookout for the steamy images on the MIND ASKEW website in the coming weeks!
The story of Rapunzel dates back to the early 1800’s—and I guarantee you, it’s a bit different than you may remember. Visit Wikipedia for an insightful look at the story many of us think we know!
Marketa is the current Playboy Playmate cover model for Czech Playboy! The pictorial was stunning! We got to see an advance copy! See more of her beautiful images at her website.
All images here were taken with Marketa last year for the Spy Vs. Spy shoot. And YES, all three shots are of Marketa! She is such a versatile beauty! Be on the lookout for the final Mind Askew Images for both Spy vs. Spy and Rapunzel soon!
"Their chemistry on set is immediately apparent."
- Joe Chalifoux, Production Assistant
Marketa Belonoha, the iconic model from the Czech Republic, has once again graced the lens of photographer Sean Hus Var.
HUS VAR selected Marketa again for his MIND ASKEW series, this time in a modern recreation of the German fairy tale Rapunzel. Sean sent the PA on the usual dizzying rounds in search of MacGyver-like props, and without giving too much away, there were around 50 packs of hair extensions, autumn leaves, and a bathtub! Be on the lookout for the steamy images on the MIND ASKEW website in the coming weeks!
The story of Rapunzel dates back to the early 1800’s—and I guarantee you, it’s a bit different than you may remember. Visit Wikipedia for an insightful look at the story many of us think we know!
Marketa is the current Playboy Playmate cover model for Czech Playboy! The pictorial was stunning! We got to see an advance copy! See more of her beautiful images at her website.
All images here were taken with Marketa last year for the Spy Vs. Spy shoot. And YES, all three shots are of Marketa! She is such a versatile beauty! Be on the lookout for the final Mind Askew Images for both Spy vs. Spy and Rapunzel soon!
Friday, October 24, 2008
JESSICA DANIELS AS CINDERELLA!
Be on the look out for more images of Jessica Daniels as Cinderella for HUS VAR's project MIND ASKEW. The shoot was a blast! And let’s just say that the Fairy Godmother of Photographic Retouching helped create the before-and-after midnight looks!
A great big shout-out goes to the hard-working guys on the building in the cobblestone district in Buffalo, who for whatever reason couldn't stop looking at our Cinderella. (Or maybe it was Luke who couldn't stop looking!)
Credits:
Photographer/Creative Director: HUS VAR
Model: Jessica Daniels
Photo Assistant: Luke Copping
Makeup Artist: Anna Malskaya
Production Assistant: Joe Chalifoux
P.S. E-mail Joe Chalifoux, our dedicated and talented Production Manager and DJ, and ask: "Why isn't the damn cab here?!" Ha Ha!
Plus, be on the look out for “model” Joe's very own portfolio! Joe usually sits in for test shots, so we will be combining these classic images into one great Facebook photo album soon!
Be on the look out for more images of Jessica Daniels as Cinderella for HUS VAR's project MIND ASKEW. The shoot was a blast! And let’s just say that the Fairy Godmother of Photographic Retouching helped create the before-and-after midnight looks!
A great big shout-out goes to the hard-working guys on the building in the cobblestone district in Buffalo, who for whatever reason couldn't stop looking at our Cinderella. (Or maybe it was Luke who couldn't stop looking!)
Credits:
Photographer/Creative Director: HUS VAR
Model: Jessica Daniels
Photo Assistant: Luke Copping
Makeup Artist: Anna Malskaya
Production Assistant: Joe Chalifoux
P.S. E-mail Joe Chalifoux, our dedicated and talented Production Manager and DJ, and ask: "Why isn't the damn cab here?!" Ha Ha!
Plus, be on the look out for “model” Joe's very own portfolio! Joe usually sits in for test shots, so we will be combining these classic images into one great Facebook photo album soon!
Sunday, October 05, 2008
W25 MAGAZINE FEATURE!
MIND ASKEW can now be seen in the latest issue of W25 Magazine, a new independent and free art magazine for photography, music, illustration and creative fields that highlights current influences and trends in art and the creative industry. Go and check out our "Devil/Jesus in the City of Angels" feature on pages 24 through 29!
Visit the W25 Magazine Website.
MIND ASKEW can now be seen in the latest issue of W25 Magazine, a new independent and free art magazine for photography, music, illustration and creative fields that highlights current influences and trends in art and the creative industry. Go and check out our "Devil/Jesus in the City of Angels" feature on pages 24 through 29!
Visit the W25 Magazine Website.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
RE-CREATING ADAM AND EVE.
For another recent MIND ASKEW photo shoot, I have chosen one of the oldest "fairy tales" in history, Adam and Eve. For more sneak preview images, check out the portfolio at the MIND ASKEW website. More images and information to come!
For another recent MIND ASKEW photo shoot, I have chosen one of the oldest "fairy tales" in history, Adam and Eve. For more sneak preview images, check out the portfolio at the MIND ASKEW website. More images and information to come!
BIG BIRD ROCKS DOWNTOWN BUFFALO.
It was definitely a little more Funkytown than Sesame Street, but either way, the Big Bird shoot last Thursday went down perfectly. For more sneak preview images, check out the portfolio at the MIND ASKEW website. More images and information to come!
It was definitely a little more Funkytown than Sesame Street, but either way, the Big Bird shoot last Thursday went down perfectly. For more sneak preview images, check out the portfolio at the MIND ASKEW website. More images and information to come!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
TONIGHT: HUS VAR PHOTO SHOOT LIVE IN DOWNTOWN BUFFALO!
Prometheus 233 Studios has scheduled a high-profile photo shoot for Mind Askew, a photographic publication project by photographer Sean Hus Var scheduled for release in 2010.
The shoot will take place on Thursday, September 4th at 6:00 pm until midnight on location at the corner of Chippewa Street and Asbury Alley in downtown Buffalo.
The set, models, and props will be in full view for the press and the public for the duration of the evening. The shoot explores an alternative reality of the classic pop culture icon Sesame Street.
Prometheus 233 Studios has scheduled a high-profile photo shoot for Mind Askew, a photographic publication project by photographer Sean Hus Var scheduled for release in 2010.
The shoot will take place on Thursday, September 4th at 6:00 pm until midnight on location at the corner of Chippewa Street and Asbury Alley in downtown Buffalo.
The set, models, and props will be in full view for the press and the public for the duration of the evening. The shoot explores an alternative reality of the classic pop culture icon Sesame Street.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
JESSICA DANIELS AS CINDERELLA!
This week Jessica Daniels helped us recreate Cinderella for HUS VAR's project MIND ASKEW. The attached images were for her portfolio and are a great stand alone set of images. The Cinderella shoot was a blast - and let’s just say that the Fairy Godmother of Photographic Retouching helped create the before and after midnight looks!
A great big shout-out goes to the hard-working guys on the building in the cobblestone district in Buffalo, who for whatever reason couldn't stop looking at our Cinderella. (Or maybe it was Luke the guys kept whistling at?!)
P.S. Email Joe Chalifoux, our dedicated and talented Production Manager and DJ, and ask: "Why isn't the damn cab here?!" HaHa!
Be on the look out for “model” Joe's very own portfolio! Joe usually sits in for test shots, so we will be combining these classic images into one great Facebook photo album soon!
This week Jessica Daniels helped us recreate Cinderella for HUS VAR's project MIND ASKEW. The attached images were for her portfolio and are a great stand alone set of images. The Cinderella shoot was a blast - and let’s just say that the Fairy Godmother of Photographic Retouching helped create the before and after midnight looks!
A great big shout-out goes to the hard-working guys on the building in the cobblestone district in Buffalo, who for whatever reason couldn't stop looking at our Cinderella. (Or maybe it was Luke the guys kept whistling at?!)
P.S. Email Joe Chalifoux, our dedicated and talented Production Manager and DJ, and ask: "Why isn't the damn cab here?!" HaHa!
Be on the look out for “model” Joe's very own portfolio! Joe usually sits in for test shots, so we will be combining these classic images into one great Facebook photo album soon!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
NEW MIND ASKEW WEBSITE.
Come and view our new website! This is just the beginning...
http://www.mindaskew.com/
Come and view our new website! This is just the beginning...
http://www.mindaskew.com/
Thursday, July 17, 2008
ROCK'EM SOCK'EM ROBOTS.
I'm wondering how many people out there remember this game—it was one of my favorites when i was a kid. More shots from the epic battle coming soon!
The new web site for Mind Askew Should be live Next Month. Check back for updates and more shots from the book each week!
I'm wondering how many people out there remember this game—it was one of my favorites when i was a kid. More shots from the epic battle coming soon!
The new web site for Mind Askew Should be live Next Month. Check back for updates and more shots from the book each week!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Check out the imges from the first cover of P233 Magazine due out in in November 08! Many thanks to all the great crew and Heather our inspiring model from Rochester, New York! The goggles made the cover shot. Thanks to Mark who handcrafted these kick butt steam punk goggles. Also, thanks to Justin Anderson from Denim Bar - Buffalo, New York for all the great wardrobe. Upcoming promos for the Bayou. Check out unedited images from the shoot.www.prometheus233.com/husvar/heather/
Monday, June 30, 2008
We were selected to shoot and layout the CD cover and press images for DJ KOKO. DJ Koko is one of Las Vegas' top new artists! The Shoot for DJ Koko went fantastic. We got some great shots. Many thanks go out to the large cast and crew on this shoot. I've attached the image that has been selected for the DJ Koko CD cover, due out in a couple weeks! Be sure to go to www.bandwentertainment.com to give it a listen and order your copy! Also check out the link below to see more images from the shoot. - HUS VAR
DJ Koko - djkoko@bandwentertainment.com
Erin Doreen - hottiemildred@hotmail.com
Lindsey Coletta - lindsnc@yahoo.com
Heather Catonia - hcartonia@yahoo.com
Paul Chamoun - paul@bandwentertainment.com
Victor Gomez - gincdesigns@yahoo.com
Anna Malskaya - amalskaya@gmail.com
Luke Copping - luke@lukecopping.com
Brian Lohr - bryan@brrrn.com
Nadejda Petrova - npetrova@prometheus233.com
Saturday, March 29, 2008
DORA THE EXPLORER!
I'm traveling to Orlando, Florida for a photo shoot of my skewed version of the character Dora the Explorer for the next three days. Then I'm off to the Palm Springs Photo Festival through April 4th. Finally, I will make my way to LA to shoot The Wizard of Oz - Dorothy!
I'm traveling to Orlando, Florida for a photo shoot of my skewed version of the character Dora the Explorer for the next three days. Then I'm off to the Palm Springs Photo Festival through April 4th. Finally, I will make my way to LA to shoot The Wizard of Oz - Dorothy!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
ALICE FRAGMENTS.
Fragments are images I create that complement the story of my concept shoots. They often help tell another part or bit of the main story.
Fragments are images I create that complement the story of my concept shoots. They often help tell another part or bit of the main story.
Monday, March 24, 2008
ALICE THROWS A TEA PARTY.
This is the second shoot in the Alice trilogy! The theme for this shoot sprang from the notion that Alice would return to Wonderland by whatever means necessary. There is certainly a grungy, promiscuous factor here that I wanted to play up.
Many thanks go out to our teams for their superb work!
Photographer/Creative Director - HUS VAR
Model - Brooke Buttles
Set Designer - Bryan Lohr
Wardrobe Stylist - Andrew Slyder
Photo Assistant - Luke Copping
Production Assistant - Nadejda Petrova
Lighting Consultant - Chris Santucci
Makeup Stylist - Josselyn Scott
Wardrobe Assistant - Monika Byrne
Assistants - Laura Sargent & Emilee Hoelscher
Model - Hollywood the Cat (excellent work!)
This is the second shoot in the Alice trilogy! The theme for this shoot sprang from the notion that Alice would return to Wonderland by whatever means necessary. There is certainly a grungy, promiscuous factor here that I wanted to play up.
Many thanks go out to our teams for their superb work!
Photographer/Creative Director - HUS VAR
Model - Brooke Buttles
Set Designer - Bryan Lohr
Wardrobe Stylist - Andrew Slyder
Photo Assistant - Luke Copping
Production Assistant - Nadejda Petrova
Lighting Consultant - Chris Santucci
Makeup Stylist - Josselyn Scott
Wardrobe Assistant - Monika Byrne
Assistants - Laura Sargent & Emilee Hoelscher
Model - Hollywood the Cat (excellent work!)
THE DEVIL AND JESUS IN THE CITY OF ANGELS.
This was actually one of the first photo shoots that I worked on for the Mind Askew project—a photographic series imagining the Devil and Jesus living in present-day Los Angeles. Damon and Prashant were two very patient models who were kind enough to go along for the ride, even before the idea really came full circle in my head. Special thanks to Louis Chamoun for helping me out on this one!
I have about 20 shoots under my belt now, and although I need to select images, retouch shots, and complete other post-production work, I am having a ton of fun! In the upcoming posts, I'll include set shots so everyone can see the fun we have here. Thanks everyone!
Photographer/Creative Director - HUS VAR
Photo Assistant (Devil Shoot) - Louis Chamoun
Photo Assistant (Jesus Shoot) - Nicole Dziedzic
Model (Devil) - Damon Knight
Model (Jesus) - Prashant Girinath
Model (Guard) - Jacob Lapp
Production Assistant - Nadejda Petrova
Hair Stylist - Nicole Flierl
Makeup Artist - Anna Malskya
Set Designer - Brian Lohr
This was actually one of the first photo shoots that I worked on for the Mind Askew project—a photographic series imagining the Devil and Jesus living in present-day Los Angeles. Damon and Prashant were two very patient models who were kind enough to go along for the ride, even before the idea really came full circle in my head. Special thanks to Louis Chamoun for helping me out on this one!
I have about 20 shoots under my belt now, and although I need to select images, retouch shots, and complete other post-production work, I am having a ton of fun! In the upcoming posts, I'll include set shots so everyone can see the fun we have here. Thanks everyone!
Photographer/Creative Director - HUS VAR
Photo Assistant (Devil Shoot) - Louis Chamoun
Photo Assistant (Jesus Shoot) - Nicole Dziedzic
Model (Devil) - Damon Knight
Model (Jesus) - Prashant Girinath
Model (Guard) - Jacob Lapp
Production Assistant - Nadejda Petrova
Hair Stylist - Nicole Flierl
Makeup Artist - Anna Malskya
Set Designer - Brian Lohr
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