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n o k n o c k r o o m is delighted to present the photographic work of Aaron Ruell followed by a short interview. We were happy to exchange a few emails with Aaron who quickly replied positively to our project. Ruell is an American actor who was born in Fresno, California but grew up in Clovis, California. He is most noted for his performance as "Kip" in the indie movie Napoleon Dynamite. He is an accomplished commercial director and photographer. As a director he is represented by Biscuit Filmworks in Los Angeles. Aaron was recently declared one of the most promising new directors in the world of advertising by SHOOT magazine, as well as, "one of the emerging directors to know now" by Creativity. As a photographer he shot the promotional photography for Napoleon Dynamite, and designed the opening title sequence to the film. His photography has been seen in nearly every major publication and a book of his photography titled, " Some Photos," published by Nazraeli Press and released in December 2007. He was recently awarded "Best Advertising" for his work with Citibank and "Best Website" in the 2007 PDN Annual. His still photography is attracting a growing amount of attention and has appeared in nearly every major publication from Rolling Stone to Time. |
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Claudia Zitarosa: As you are an actor, director, screenwriter: does your photography also tell stories? What is your imagery when you pick your characters?
Aaron Ruel: I'd like to think that there is some sort of narrative going on in my photos, whether we're looking at the image before, during or after something has happened, I think there is an emotional tone in each image.
C.Z.: When we look at your portraits we can clearly see a particular and ironic focus on “geeky” and funny looking people like Napoleon Dynamite…was the film a big influence on you as a photographer?
A.R.: No, the film didn't influence my photography. I just happen to find 'real' looking people more interesting then say, someone who looks like a traditional model. |
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C.Z.: Retrò scenarios and color combinations… tell us a bit about your predilection for vintage and offbeat elements in your work.
A.R.: I'm just drawn to pieces of furniture or set elements that are visually interesting, and I guess most of what I find interesting comes from another time. I never set out to make an image that looks like it's from the 60's or 70's or 80's. I just start with either a piece of the set, or a face that I find and then I'll build around that one element until I've created an environment that feels believable to me.
C.Z.: Considering your very precise attention to detail, how do you usually create your photo-set?
A.R.: It typically starts with either a piece of the set (a glass knick knack, or clock for example) or it will start with a face. Once I have that, i Iontinue to build out from that, but what's important to me is that it all feels cohesive and real. I'm not going for something that looks completely fabricated. |
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C.Z.: Tell us something about your first publication “Some photos” (Published by Nazraeli Press).
A.R.: Nazraeli has to be the best publishing house on earth. Chris Pichler (owner) approached me about doing a monography and he let me select as many or few images as I wanted, he even allowed me to design the cover and end papers of the book. it was just a great experience to have a publisher who believes in you enough to let you have such creative freedom.
C.Z.: Is there any upcoming project you would like to share with us?
A.R.: Just that I have a show opening in Milan and others that are being planned for
Los Angeles, New York, and Tokyo.
04.14.2008 |
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Aaron Ruell was born in 1976 in California where he lives and works.
For those in Milan, do not miss:
"Some Photos" by Aaron Ruell
curated by Giulia Zorzi e Flavio Franzoni
April 16th - May 24th 2008
MiCamera - photography and lens-based art
Via Medardo Rosso 19 | 20159 Milano
www.micamera.com
info@micamera.com
For more info, visit:
Aaron Ruell's photography:
www.aruell.com
Aaron Ruell's publicity works:
www.biscuitfilmworks.com |
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