Emerging Talent: Mikel Muruzabal
We had the pleasure of connecting with Barcelona based advertising, fashion and architectural photographer Mikel Muruzabal regarding his most recent works, inspired style and industry origins.
How would you describe your style?
Sleek, sharp and with a touch of surrealism. I do mainly fashion, architecture and landscape - apart from 1-2 personal projects per year.
How did you start shooting?
I started in photography as If I were seeking my own place in this world, because I was living a life that I didn’t like too much, and (via self-taught) I think I found it, because I haven’t stopped shooting since then. I think photography is a way of seeing and understanding the world and society around us.
Who has inspired your style?
Myself, what I experienced in my childhood, my education, my family, everything i’ve ever seen in my life and I liked for different reasons, the music I’ve heard and the books I’ve read…There are many photographs that I love, all with such different styles. Honestly, I have never followed one too closely in particular. If I had to say a couple of names, I’d say Dali and Möebius (the French comic artist).
What are some of your recent works to note?
The last project I’ve done, apart from the usual works for clients, campaigns, etc. is a series based on the Masai tribe of Africa. I’ve been reading about them the past year, and I was impressed by the habits and traits that define this particular tribe. I contacted with an anthropological museum in Spain to see if they could leave me some original features such as spears, antlers and other items they use every day. I photographed these items in the studio on a black background and added fire to the objects. The images show objects outside their usual context, but turning into icons that are consumed by the devastating fire of the struggle for survival in all areas of their life, their contradictions, fears and victories.
To view more of Mikel Muruzabal’s work, visit his site here.