Romantic Nostalgia
Tau Demidov is a fashion photographer from Moscow, Russia. His works are a breath of fresh air. Through an aesthetic of fashion, a hint of honesty - personality is exposed to reveal an additional angle of rougher street life.
In this editorial, Tau creates a dialogue between the physical space and a character evoking a feeling of uncertainty about one’s own belonging. The atmosphere is a collage of the 70s modern architecture style, the model’s discontent, and the casual rare encounters with additional city residents. Frames work with an emotion of a viewer showing what he might otherwise would never be able to see through the voyeur’s eyes, peeping to life in a day of this someone.
We discuss with Tau the session to uncover some additional facts about the location, the pink dress, and the main character of the shooting.
‘I would say it's a romantic nostalgia. I find intriguing this voyeur style of photography when the mood set by a model or the scenario is random.’
How would you describe the mood of the series?
I would say it's a Romantic Nostalgia. I find intriguing this voyeur style of photography when the mood set by a model or the scenario is random. I enjoy following from a given point. My work is basically an appreciation of the beauty of any notion. This story is more about capturing a moment in time: the person, the weather, space. I just follow.
‘I get inspired by confidence, unrestrained freedom, or a more vulnerable and secure personality.’
What was important for you in casting the model?
I look for a natural essence, I get inspired by confidence, unrestrained freedom, or a more vulnerable and secure personality.
I like standout features but always think of a model as a mixture of features and characteristics in balance, rather than a certain type. It's a constant dynamic inside, between a desirable object which is self-sufficient for itself and an artist who wants to intervene.
Where did you shoot this editorial? How does the location ads to the overall mood of the shoot?
Most of the shoot takes place near Moscow Gorky Theatre building established in 1972 in the 70s modern architecture style.
The location works here as a background. I like when space is complete and had enfranchised itself. I borrow it for the sake of composition or atmosphere.
For some reason, the evident connection between space and style seems very aesthetic-driven rather than spontaneous and free. Though in this case, modern soviet architecture begs for a scenario and red and white colours work well in that aesthetic.
‘A model can elevate any piece of clothing with his character. My goal was to make it look artful.’
Tell about this wall in the background of the model with photographs of some renowned world leaders/dictators as Lenin etc.?
This picture was taken in an exhibition near TASS building nearby, and it's also quite spontaneous.
Share with us some of the decisions for styling and the specific choice of colors, the red and off-whites used.
Masha is a stylist herself, and the pink dress, she made it a night before the shoot. I see clothing as something that integrates the body rather than person modelling for it. A model can elevate any piece of clothing with his character. My goal was to make it look artful.
