Mariano Vivanco Interview
Mariano Vivanco just shot a fox. Megan Fox, that is, for the cover of Wonderland Magazine. Now, his work goes beyond hunter/gatherer. Mariano’s art exudes passion and beauty. His films and photography make my mouth water and eyes sweat due to the inability to look away. A true artist is somebody that engraves a passion into their artwork, and Mariano does just that. It’s truly unique that we are both on planet earth in the same time frame, so I have come to appreciate his work. This legend needs no explanation, but for all of those who don’t have the time, I’ve stolen a snippet of his bio worthy of a read. Regularly shooting for internationally renowned magazines such as Dazed & Confused, Vogue Nippon, Numéro, Another Magazine, L’Uomo Vogue & 10, Mariano has worked with the biggest and best in the industry from Donatella Versace to David Gandy, Simon Nessman and Reid Prebenda. I think this man has something to say.
Trey Taylor: Can you please fill this out?
Name: Mariano Vivanco
Age: 33
Occupation: Photographer
Currently Resides: London / NYC
Favourite Song: Way too many… I really love music
Trey Taylor: Do you envision your art? And if so, what do you see beforehand?
Mariano Vivanco: Mostly yes, like any other artist does (like a composer, film director, designer…) imagine their work beforehand. Sometimes the vision is very nearly fulfilled, yet sometimes it takes a different path with unexpected yet happy outcomes. I leave room and opportunity for spontaneity.
TT: You recently shot a gladiator style film for Qasimi featuring Marlon Teixeira. What was it like working with him? Where did you get the idea for the concept?
MV: Marlon is great! I shot him for Custo and Dazed one year ago. He has grown up so much! Such a sweet guy! For this job I met the designer and we came up with the concept. He told be about the collection, showed me his mood board (which I loved) and we dreamt up the character. A post-apocalyptic boy walking through the desert of life, learning things about himself along the way.
TT: Do you find meaning in your work, or work in your meaning?
MV: Maybe and maybe — sorry I don’t mean to be vague. I remember when I was younger I used to see the work of the great photographers in the pages of the great magazines and immediately be transfixed and taken into another world. There were so many great photographers, models, designers — who worked with real passion, not just for the money or fame — but for what I interpreted as a genuine love for the craft. I do not feel that anymore when I look at magazines. I guess for now the meaning in my work is finding that inner excitement (that I had when I was young and inquisitive about fashion and photography) and applying it to my everyday work. Sometimes people tell me they feel something when they see my work and I find that such a compliment.
TT: How do you work? And by that I mean, what is your approach to a shoot or a film?
MV: I always say, “The Fashion comes First”. Then I move my pieces carefully after I see the fashion.
