Took Me A Long Time To Make The Leap
Markus Rico is a photographer whose drive is to explore and innovate. In his work, he focuses on creating new visual outcomes from applying different methods and mixing formats, as Markus puts it, “I like to achieve… beautiful chaos."
From careful research about the topic of interest, numerous notes, and drawings, Markus constructs his methodology approaching stories like the project about athletes for the Spanish Gymnastics Federation or the yet unreleased series about the homosexual community in the Eastern countries. Art, poetry, cinematography have an impact on the perception of the current themes and on the eventual output in the next steps of the implementation of the idea to reach the final result.
Markus Rico — a London/Madrid-based photographer who has recently decided to move back to Malaga, in the south of Spain. We speak with Markus about his decision to leave Madrid, his background in graphic design, and his drive to create a unique merge between techniques. Markus elaborates on the current research he’s working on and mentions his latest project on the theme of the homosexual community in Malaysia and Indonesia he was researching during his trip to those countries.
‘Cities give you more cultural and employment opportunities. An alive city where new things are constantly being done is important for young artists.’
London and Madrid
Most of the young people who strive to develop their careers usually move to the capital. Currently, you work in between Barcelona and London. What are the opportunities that emerge in the capital cities?
Cities give you more cultural and employment opportunities. An alive city where new things are constantly being done is important for young artists. In contrast, living in a city is complicated, they are excessively expensive and overcrowded. In my opinion, many artists have moved to less aggressive environments where they can develop projects in a simpler and cheaper way.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in a small coastal town called Torre del Mar, it is in Malaga, in the south of Spain. Although my agency is in London and many of my clients are in Madrid and Paris, I have been living in Malaga for more than a year. I needed to get away and come back to my roots.
‘I am one of those who think that an artistic work without a visual foundation is only a theoretical concept. Work has to impact me through the eyes and the mind.’
Studies
You graduated in Advertising and Graphic Design from Madrid Advertising School. Advertising and design are two complementary and yet very distinct professions. Tell about your decision to choose photography?
When I finished my studies in Advertising, I wanted to do things by myself. I did not want to conceptualize the idea, but to materialize it with my own hands. That frustration led me to look for other alternatives, and I decided to go for my hobby and transform it into my job. I always wanted to be an artist. It took me a long time to make the leap. It was in London when I made the decision to take art studies, and since then, my work has changed radically.
How does the acquired knowledge in those two spheres assists you in self-promotion and in working on the final result?
I believe that my knowledge of graphic design has given me a very important visual and creative perspective in my work. I am one of those who think that an artistic work without a visual foundation is only a theoretical concept. Work has to impact me through the eyes and the mind.
‘There is a lot of sexual tension in my work as a reflection of my life. I have been inspired by everything and everyone around me: the internet, porn, books, movies, music, exhibitions, friends, strangers, nights out...’
Themes
Male sexuality, the physicality of the body, choreography, street culture are some of the themes you examine in your work. How did your interest in shooting different themes develop with time?
There is a lot of sexual tension in my work as a reflection of my life. I have been inspired by everything and everyone around me: the internet, porn, books, movies, music, exhibitions, friends, strangers, nights out... I use tons of sketchbooks, and my phone is full of notes. I am very active. I feel frustrated if I am not producing, it is a weird feeling that I have to live with. I am always carrying around an analogical camera, a notebook, and pens. I love to take pictures of my daily life or draw while I am having a coffee out.
What is most interesting for you today?
I am doing research at the moment about how the internet is modifying every aspect of our lives, specifically on how it is affecting our sexual and love relationships.
‘I like to mix everything, digital with analog, medium format with a compact camera, videos with a mobile phone, or with Canon 5D... I like to achieve what I call "beautiful chaos".’
Sketches
You have a personal ongoing project Sketch, which explores the multidisciplinary approach to art involving photography, a written word, moving image, graphic design, and sketching. What do you enjoy the most when working with/ combining a variety of disciplines?
I use a wide range of techniques; I am very curious, and I love trying new ways of representation. This is why I cannot focus only on one technique. Today, for me, photography is one of the tools I use in my artistic work.
In recent years, painting, drawing, and poetry have played an important part in my research. In general, I like to mix everything, digital with analog, medium format with a compact camera, videos with a mobile phone, or with Canon 5D... I like to achieve what I call "beautiful chaos".
‘I especially like the colours and noise that come with analog photography and 8mm. And of course the surprise factor, things that you do not expect.’
Movement & Motion
There’s a striking contrast between an approach to a static photo and a moving image. At times, with static photos the captured moment is a frozen second of a longer movement; in the moving image, the exploration is of a static visual element or character (with a slight motion that comes from the wind, for example). How do you direct the shoots?
I find the mix of motion and static image very attractive. It has a very impressive visual strength. When I do a project where I need both types of images, I usually work with a camera director and several assistants. Each part needs its own completion time as they have to be managed differently.
What is the aesthetic that speaks the most to you? What do you love about shooting on film or 8mm?
The most important thing for me is the understanding between the members of the team, we all need to go in the same direction. I like the improvisation of the moment, but I think that a good conceptual and visual base is essential. I especially like the colours and noise that come with analog photography and 8mm. And of course the surprise factor, things that you do not expect.
The Spanish Gymnastic Federation
Let’s discuss the project about the Spanish Gymnastics Federation in which you’ve taken part as an art director. What did you learn in the process about the people who were part of the story?
Sport plays an important part in my life, and I think it is reflected in my work. This project has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have carried out because, in addition to being elite athletes, they were teenagers with grown-up bodies. The fact of working with elite athletes made me nervous, but the truth is that everything was shot. I had a wonderful team that greatly facilitated the development of the project.
How was this shooting different from other projects you work on?
It is very different to work with models than with athletes. You have to be very patient to get what you want. But it is much more rewarding, the result is in sight.
What was the most inspiring moment during the shoot?
I was fascinated to see them jumping or hanging on the rings. I also liked to plan with them what to do to make the movements look good on camera. I felt like their own coach!!!
Upcoming Projects
What are your plans for this year?
This year I am going to study a Master's in Painting that begins in September. I have been thinking about it for some years, and it is finally going to be materialized.
I was involved in a project I did in Indonesia and Malaysia with Muslim homosexuals months ago. The research focuses on the moral dilemma this group faces because their sexual condition challenges their own Islamic beliefs.
It is a book with photographs and interviews, where I narrate the story of forty-six people that I contacted through apps like Grindr and Tinder. It is, without a doubt, the most interesting, enriching, and social project that I have carried out so far. I hope I can finish shaping it and be able to show it soon.
What are you working on right now?
In addition, during confinement, I have developed several projects. In one of them, I made a large drawing in which as a performance, I tried to answer the moment lived with the appearance of COVID19, reflecting on the fragility of our reality, the fears and insecurities it caused me.
