A Mark Mann portrait is a search for honesty. Adept at digital photography, Mann respects the grace inherent in the analog process. Relying on observation, patience and synchronicity he works with a perfect accomplice – his 1940’s Graflex super D camera fitted with a 1920’s Schneider lens.
Along with his dedicated and resourceful producer, Daniel Roversi, and the support of a cadre of Kickstarter backers, Mann headed to Mexico City to reveal the truth behind the culture of Lucha Libre. This historic art form pits masked villains and heroes in an entertaining dual. It melds in equal measure fitness and fashion, bravado and irony. Begun in Southern California it settled and evolved in Mexico and continues to engage a community of trainers, wrestlers and fans.
Inspired by the classic ethnographic images taken by Irving Penn, Mann also employed a painted Charles Broderson backdrop. An engaging photographer with a deep curiosity and high regard for each individual’s story, Mann gained intimate access. These striking portraits are witness of a meaningful choreography between a concept and it’s implementation, a performer and their image-maker, a photographer and their tools. The focus is on the eyes, the storytellers.
Artist Bios
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Mark Mann
Mark Mann is a celebrity and advertising photographer. He was born in Glasgow, where he lived until he went to study in the prestigious photographic program at Manchester Polytechnic. Before long, the recent graduate was assisting innovative fashion photographers Nick Knight and Miles Aldridge, learning the ropes and building his own body of work. Three years later, Mark started shooting on his own, relocating to New York City.
Mark’s editorial work has appeared in Esquire, Men’s Health, Vibe, Spin, Fortune, Billboard, Parade and Complex, among others. He has shot countless celebrities, including Robert Redford, Michael Douglas, Iggy Pop, Jack Black, the Black Eyed Peas, Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, Rihanna, Queen Latifah, Simon Baker, Stevie Wonder, Bradley Cooper, Willie Nelson, Sean Connery, John Hamm, and Jennifer Hudson. Mark has amassed a sizable advertising portfolio, as well. His clients run the gamut: Reebok, Adidas, Hennessy, Bombay Sapphire, Pepsi, Gillette, Vitamin Water, NHL, Zumba, Ford, Chrysler and Svedka to name a few.
Mark has just completed a yearlong project for Esquire Magazine, “The Life of Man”. He shot 80 American men ages 1 through 80, to celebrate 80 years of Esquire Magazine. This project took Mark to the White House where he was honored to shoot the sitting president, as well as former President Clinton. He also shot numerous other notable people and celebrities all across the country.
Organizations
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United Photo Industries (UPI)
United Photo Industries (UPI) is a New York based nonprofit organization that works to promote a wider understanding of, and increased access to, the art of photography.
Since its founding in 2011, UPI has rapidly solidified its position in the public art landscape by continuing to showcase thought-provoking, challenging, and exceptional photography from across the globe. In its first seven years, UPI has presented the work of more than 2,500 visual artists in gallery exhibitions and public art installations worldwide.
Lucha Libre
Featuring: Mark Mann
Locations
View Location Details Download a detailed map of this location Brooklyn Bridge Park – Emily Warren Roebling Plaza1 Water St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
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