R Magazine, Ex-TeenArt_Issue 1_Authenticity Jun. 2015 | Page 26

Weird Beauty Photo and makeup The results obtained when shooting photos without makeup could be excellent. In the studio however, it seems like having models who wear makeup is recommended for best results. In “Weird Beauty”, monochrome makeup is primordial. That monochrome makeup constitutes almost exclusively the artistic sight of the project. All credits for these real paintings on skin go to Valeriya Kutsan, an atypical artist recognized in Russia. She plays with variations of shapes and lights to create optical illusions. The art lies in the symmetries and contrasts. This is the proof that traditional makeup is not the only thing allowing the beautification of the face. This series is a mix of art and modernity. The portraits reveal women whose makeup constitutes contemporary symbols, trademarks or familiar characters in black and white. Models are Wi-Fi racks, QR code, Chanel logo, Mickey Mouse etc. As the makeup is made with perfect precision, it seems to have been made with stencils! The black symbols grab us at first. It is only after that we see the sweet models’ face underneath. This series of photographs is the incredible fusion of two arts, photography and makeup. “Weird Beauty” can be interpreted as a criticism of the consumer society where the individual disappears behind the new technologies and brands Zoom on Alexander Khokhlov Alexander Khokhlov starts taking pictures in 2007. He is fascinated by the real, the concrete. In 2008, he got interested in fashion and beauty, areas in which he excels! During a photo shoot with the makeup artist Veleriya Kutsan, he creates an optical illusion almost by pure chance ... They made it happen recurrently until it becomes the brand of the Russian photographer. The “Art of Face” is what distinguishes him. Alexander showcases human trompe-l’oeil. It has been two years since people have been talking in the photosphere about the photographer thanks to his “Weird Beauty” collection and his special photos. Written by Laura Bonnieu Translated from French to English by Myriam Annick Tchameni