Ed Emrich uses technology to project digital images onto models to look like tangible clothes.
PHOTOGRAPHER ED EMRICH @ed.emrich.art | www.edemrich.com
TECHNICAL ADVISOR ROBERT EMRICH
MAKEUP MAGADALENA MAJOR @magdalena.major
MODEL KYLI ZION @kyzion
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT CARLEY SKIDMORE @carleyskidmore
Beginning his career as a cityscape photographer with an impeccable eye for architecture and design, celebrated New York City-based projection artist Ed Emrich was inspired by the latest collection of Italian fashion juggernaut Gucci in the creation of a highly experimental and groundbreaking new photo series. Instead of simply photographing the model wearing the renowned design house’s glamorous and exuberant ensembles, Emrich digitally projected them onto the model’s body.
Gucci’s latest brightly colored, avant-garde separates are displayed in a manner that mirrors the clothing’s originality. Upon first glance, the projection looks subtle, realistic. It is almost believable that the pictured model is clad in these eye-catching outfits, including a studded leather and floral romper and a neon hot pink t-shirt emblazoned with the design of a UFO emanating rainbow light.
Emrich’s work aims to be aesthetically pleasing while challenging expectations through his compelling, unorthodox use of the human body.
The artist often adorns his models’ skin with the iconic masterpieces of Picasso, Dali, Warhol, and Monet, as well as intricate geometric designs, and Gucci and Chanel outfits. This marriage of the corporeal with timeless and sublime works of art allows the viewer to see and understand these paintings, patterns, and garments in a completely new way. These designs and compositions have a human core.
Emrich embraces this figurative element in his work by using, as he describes it, “the body as the canvas and light as the paintbrush.” However, these nude forms are not simply the background for the artist’s light works, but an integral part of them. This inclusion of a living, breathing human being in Emrich’s projections literally breathes new life into these enduring works and media, showcasing the human body as the masterpiece that it is.
