Stories | Miami, Florida, USA | August 5th, 2021

This technique hinges on stark contrasts of light and shadow to accentuate nuances of gesture and facial expression. While you may not recognize it outright, the influence of his oeuvre permeates artistic realms far and wide. Caravaggio’s artistic legacy reverberates through the works of subsequent luminaries such as Rembrandt in Holland, Diego Velázquez in Spain, and Théodore Géricault in France. Furthermore, his dramatic staging and pioneering manipulation of light and shade have served as direct wellsprings of inspiration for prominent cinematic figures, including Pier Paolo Pasolini and the venerable Martin Scorsese.

Personally, I found myself drawn more to Caravaggio’s rebellious and perilous persona than to his artistic output. Nevertheless, there was an ineffable allure to his profound and somber style that left an indelible imprint on me. Rather than viewing darkness as an ominous force, I chose to embrace it as a source of beauty. My affinity for chiaroscuro was already evident in my recent work.

For this particular study, I collaborated with Diaine, an exuberant Brazilian model traversing from Texas. She proved to be an ideal subject for this endeavor, possessing both the requisite experience and a robust yet delicately feminine physique reminiscent of figures often depicted in Baroque paintings. Caravaggio’s predilection for the color red resonated seamlessly with the ongoing thematic exploration of my Red Series. Intending to utilize her feminine form as a beacon amid the shadows, I aimed to imbue the resulting photographs with an intimate aura of mystery. In doing so, I sought to evoke the shared sentiment of being the guiding light amidst the darkness that pervades our lives.