A wide range of environments and character types are explored in the works of the now Miami Beach-based Dean West. Born in Australia in 1983, the artist is best known for his intricate and highly staged photographs that take everyday occurrences beyond the realm of natural reality.
Extraordinary in their tonal range, digital clarity and artistic vision, West’s meticulously choreographed scenes, character studies and atmospheric landscapes powerfully yet synthetically link needs to desires and documentation to invention.
His works have been exhibited at important institutions around the world including the Columbus Museum of Art, Faneuli Hall Museum of Boston, the Paris Expo Porte De Versailles, Puls 5 Gallery in Zürich and the Discovery Times Square Museum in New York City. Hailed as one of the most promising artists of his generation and identified as one of the most accomplished practitioners of digital image making as an art form, West has been honored by acquisitions of his work by some of the most prestigious collections of contemporary art, including that of Sir Elton John. Some of his other celebrity collectors also include Jamie Lee Curtis and Diplo.
West’s narratives draw inspiration from the total diversity offered by the visual arts. While the tableau photography of Stan Douglas and Jeff Wall inform West’s understanding of photography as a form of contemporary communication, the paintings of David Hockney and Edward Hopper provide evident aesthetic direction. The fictional world of cinema and the functional language of advertising have also clearly left their mark and taught lessons of their own.
International brands have embraced West’s vision through partnerships and important clients such as Disney, MTV, Bombay Sapphire, St Germain, Corona, Starburst and Fox Sports. Recognized as one of Saatchi & Saatchi’s “Top 100 Emerging Photographers” in 2008, West has also been honored with Advertising Photographer of the Year at the International Loupe Awards, Luerzer’s Archive 200 Best Ad Photographers and the prestigious “Arte Laguna Prize” in Venice, Italy.
Dean West will be exhibiting at the following upcoming fairs:
• UNSEEN Amsterdam (Sep 15-18) Echo Fine Arts
• Moderne Art Fair Paris (October 20-24) ARTITLEDcontemporary
• AAF Hamburg, Germany (November 09-13) ARTITLEDcontemporary
• PAN Amsterdam (November 19-27) ARTITLEDcontemporary
• SCOPE Art Show Miami (November 29-Dec 4) Echo Fine Arts
• Coe & Co (Nantucket and Palm Beach)
West is also actively working on his new project, a long-form book, titled “The Palms.” Produced in Florida alone, the works contain local character portrayals, landscapes, tableaux constructions, portraits and a series of short films. The project is released on a per artwork basis throughout each year and will eventually culminate in a curated solo exhibition throughout his represented galleries.
“Pools, palms and architecture are familiar motifs within my photographs. The Palms series is a deeper dive into the many aspects of Florida’s culture and daily life,” West said.
