Jun 24

Jun 24 Sergio Kurhajec, Fashion Photographer, TALKS: on Intimacy and Isolation

Sergio Kurhajec is a New York City-based photographer who has shot for the likes of Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Surface, GQ, Tatler, Diane Von Furstenberg/DVF, Armani and Ralph Lauren, to name just a few.

How did you discover your passion for photography?

I was 15 or 16 when I first discovered photography. My teenage mind thought it could change the world and right the injustices with a camera. The images from the Vietnam War were still very vivid and the ones from the Nicaraguan Revolution that was happening at the time really captured me. I worked all summer to buy my first camera.

What inspires your work?

I don't think there is one source of inspiration. I like to look at other people's work, whether photographers, painters or sculptors. A lot of the time it's the clothing I photograph that influences how I capture an image. But I always also draw inspiration from my subject. There has to be a connection established in order for me to enjoy creating together with the person I'm photographing.

How have you been staying creative lately?

I've been experimenting with remote shoots and the challenges involved with this method of capturing images. It's interesting how even in the most difficult of circumstances, creativity finds a way through. It's been fun but I can't wait to be surrounded by a crew. I miss the energy and good times we have on set. I've also been reading a lot which I usually don't have much time for. Of course I had to read "The Plague" by Camus. It seemed fitting. But I've also started studying the history of philosophy. It's much more interesting to learn history through the way people thought than just through the events that took place.

What projects are you anxious to work on again?

I'm not sure if I am interested in anything in particular but I do know I want to bring much more intimacy to my image making. I think this period of isolation has really brought to surface what is most important in our lives, which is the connection and love we share with each other. I've missed most of all the emotional connection when surrounded by the people I care for.

Since this is for a Manhattan-based website, what areas of New York most inspire you as an artist?

I like more remote and desolate areas of the city. I'm inspired by the industrial parts of Greenpoint, East Williamsburg and Maspeth. There's a certain abstraction in the landscape in these areas that I find visually poetic. Maybe it's partly because of the absence of people too.

What are your favorite New York City spots?

Having a picnic on Governors Island on a sunny day is always a special treat. I like taking the ferry too, especially the Staten Island Ferry at sunset. It really puts the city in a completely different perspective. I also enjoy walking the Highline very early in the morning when there is only an occasional jogger or two. What an incredible urban project it is. Have you ever seen Joel Sternfelds "Walking the Highline" photo essay from when it was an abandoned railroad? I wish I had had the nerve to trespass onto it back when I was younger.

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Author: Elizabeth Hazard

Elizabeth Hazard is a creative director, producer and writer with several years of experience producing content for magazines, websites, brands and artists. Liz has worked with some of the most accomplished talents in the industry to conceive, develop and produce photos, videos and written work. A published author, she frequently writes about fashion, art and cultural topics for websites and publications. She also holds a certificate in curating from Node Center for Curatorial Studies in Germany.

Photo credit: Sergio Kurhajec