VISUALLY SPEAKING

An Interview with Eugenio Recuenco

Words By  Sandy Lo

Photography is a proven art form and that fact is driven home in the works of Eugenio Recuenco. Born in Madrid, Recuenco has been published in magazines like Vogue, Twill and Madame Figaro. With a combined classic and modern flare, Recuenco’s photos are bold, cinematic and timeless. 

What is your first memory of art and photography? Was there a particular photo or piece of art that captured your attention as a child? 

The first thing I remember about art were my school trips to the Prado museum. It was a privilege to live so close to it. In terms of photography, the first exposition that I saw left the impression on me that photography was more than capturing a moment. The exposition was in the Juan March Foundation when I was around 13 years old. 

Where did you study art and photography? 

I studied Fine Arts in Madrid. I’m titled with a specialization in painting. In photography I’m self-taught. I’ve learned from my errors, adapting them to no longer be errors without forgetting what it taught me. 

Do you feel that anyone can learn how to capture a good photo or is there a need for natural instinct? 

It is a question of education and visual experience. Now with internet and the many images that we receive daily, people are more prepared to see reality from a personal point of view. That to me is photography. 

Often your photos are described as having a cinematographic style. Do you agree? 

They are what they are and I can’t make them be any other way and feel them as my own. If they seem pictorial or cinematographic it is the same to me. That is simply a perception of the spectator, and each will like something different. Sometimes it is the story, other will enjoy the style or the models. Each will classify them in one way or another according to their interest. 

“CAPTURING A QUALITY PHOTOGRAPH IS A QUESTION OF EDUCATION AND VISUAL EXPERIENCE.” 

In your field, what photographers or artists do you admire? 

There are many that surprise me daily on the internet and sadly I don’t remember the names because I have them in my favorites and the industry or art markets haven’t made it a priority to ensure that we know their names. 

What or who, inspires most of your work? 

Life and different perspective towards it. Admitting it but asking it why. 

Being a creative person, in regards to working with major publications and clients, do your wishes and needs always go along their side or vision? 

It depends on each case, I always try to work on a project where I have something to say. Sometimes you think that your opinion will be valued and you realize little by little that you have been cornered. 

“I’VE LEARNED FROM MY ERRORS, ADAPTING THEM TO NO LONGER BE ERRORS WITHOUT FORGETTING WHAT IT TAUGHT ME.” 

We love the bud presented in this edition of BASIC. How was the concept developed? 

It was an ensemble with the publicity agency. This was an addition that I did with my team to elongate the story and develop our creativity. 

You have co-directed a music video for the German band, Rammstein. Are there plans to direct other videos or possibly full-length films? 

I’m always open to doing video clips with artists I have rapport with in regards to joining images. I’m finishing the post-production of the short “La segunda derrota” (The Second Defeat) that we filmed earlier this year. We are currently CrowdFunding to make it a reality, and you are all welcome to collaborate with us to help us finish. 

How has your work evolved in recent years? 

At the same time as me. 

What is your advice for all aspiring artists around the world? 

To not let your passion cool with the effort.