Esther Matilla Oubiña & Andy Harrington
ANDY HARRINGTON CAPTURES FACES AND LOOKS BOTH FRESH AND AGED WITH THE SAME SHARPNESS AND CLARITY OF INTENT. HIS PORTRAITURE REVEALS MOMENTS OF RAW INSOUCIANCE; HE’S ABLE TO DRAW OUT AND LIBERATE FRANK GLANCES, HIDDEN FLIRTS, AND BRAVE ATTITUDES.
Working from New York he is collaborating here with Esther Matilla Oubiña. Esther is responsible for styling a vast portfolio of editorial and campaign work (for Polo Ralph Lauren, Theory, Carolina Herrera, Vogue, Hero Mag, and Garage), and elevating it to hold the same self-possessed charm. Her styling draws from a range of aesthetics and influences to help create looks that run the spectrum from buttoned-up glamour through to elegantly wasted.
TSUKI posed a few questions about the process and ideas in this gallery, and about how both Andy and Esther have been making work during lockdown.
HOW DO YOU CREATE AT HOME?
HOW HAS THIS BEEN DIFFERENT FROM YOUR REGULAR PROCESS?
Creating at home was a bit more tricky as we played with what we had around. Some photos came easier than others. We had to be resourceful and use what we had in different ways.
Having more time changed the dynamic, it was great not to have the pressure of a deadline and being able to enjoy the process.
Instead of getting items or props for the shoot we played with what we had around in the apartment or in the garden, which was challenging sometimes but it was fun to look at things in a new way. Also, we tried to keep a story consistent, maintaining a similar mood and feeling for each picture.
ARE YOU ABLE TO WORK IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD OR YOUR STUDIO DURING LOCKDOWN? OR IS IT JUST FROM HOME?
Luckily Andy has a backyard and space at home and we were able to use that space. New York lockdown rules are not as intense as Italy or Spain but the resources were still limited.
HAS THIS SITUATION ENCOURAGED OR EVEN DEMANDED
YOU TO TRY SOMETHING NEW?
I started painting and trying different things during the first days but I loved having the opportunity to collaborate with Andy and work as a team. Since we have been shooting, the lockdown hasn’t felt as intense and having a goal helped us keeping our minds occupied. We have been working at a slower pace which is nice, being able to take our time. We have learnt how to do more with less—not having just one role as usual.
WHAT ARE SOME CHANGES IN PROCESS, APPROACH, OR OUTCOME?
The main thing it changed was the focus. Fashion wasn’t the main subject this time so we just tried to play around. Not having access to anything but what we had at home made us think about the concepts and ideas in a different way; we started this process thinking about what we have, rather than what we want to do. The roles also changed as we were doing everything: still life, lighting, and modeling.
DO YOU HAVE A NEW OR DIFFERENT WAY OF STAYING INTERESTED, INSPIRED, OR MOTIVATED?
I think this didn’t change that much from our routine, we just have more time for it as we were always traveling, working, taking meetings. I think we are used to working from home and to keep ourselves inspired and busy all the time.
“THE MAIN THING IT CHANGED WAS THE FOCUS. FASHION WASN’T THE MAIN SUBJECT THIS TIME SO WE JUST TRIED TO PLAY AROUND.”
IS THERE ANYTHING POSITIVE (OR NEGATIVE) YOU CAN SEE COMING
OUT OF THIS SITUATION?
A positive outcome that has come out of this current situation is being self sufficient. Doing a lot more for less. You don’t necessarily need extra people around if you have more time.