In the Leland Hirsch Private Collection
RALPHAEL MAZZUCCO
Angel Series 003 
2012
Archival print, acrylic pain, mixed media, and resin
482 x 72 inches (121.9 x 182.9 cm)
(RC8044)

RAPHAEL MAZZUCCO is one of the world’s most influential and talented fashion photographers; an artist whose seductive style has not only become iconic with clients such as Victoria’s Secret, Guess Jeans, L’Oreal, Ralph Lauren, Bergdorf Goodman and Intimissimi, but who has succeeded in capturing our attention in major publications that include French & Italian Vogue, L’Uomo Vogue, Marie Claire, L’Officiel, Playboy, Vanity Fair, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition and many more.

Raphael’s arrival onto the art scene has been met with critical acclaim following a two-year tour of exhibitions that traveled the globe, presenting his work to Milan, Florence, Melbourne, Los Angeles and culminating in New York. A native of Vancouver, Canada, Raphael has recently brought his considerable talent to bear in creating a new collection of images (as seen in his groundbreaking anthology – “Raphael Mazzucco Collected Art”) that merge his love of the photograph with the sensuality of painting. The result produces a series of images that are startling in their honesty; images that in the same moment can inspire a deep pathos and spark new heights of exhilaration. American Photo has hailed him as “one of the top 50 photographers in the world to watch.”

Raphael is currently partnering with music mogul Jimmy Iovine of Interscope Records to shoot an anthology of celebrity portraiture. The collection of photographs – some wildly provocative, some tongue in cheek – will be presented as a photo essay entitled “Culo by Mazzucco”; capturing a sensual moment in the lives of some of the most interesting and alluring women on the planet. Iconic faces from throughout the entertainment industry will be featured. The book is slated for a February 2011 release…and a part of the proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warriors Project – a fund that helps Afghani and Iraqi vets in their recovery.

Raphael’s visual narrative continues to take us on a journey both geographic and emotional; through the black volcanic beaches of Iceland, the lush, green mountains of Northern Vietnam and the barren salt flats of the Dead Sea, all in a testimonial to some of the world’s most beautiful women. His inspiration is drawn from the beauty of our ever-changing world. His ability to express himself from a profoundly raw perspective will continue not only to leave his imprimatur on our culture as a whole; but will ensure his legacy as one of the most eminent image-makers of our time.