“I like to work from glass surfaces that allow surprising effects and take pictures of irregular wall surfaces that are digitally retouched.”
From Humble Beginnings to Artistic Revelation
Arnaud “Appix” Piat‘s journey into the world of photography is a testament to passion and perseverance. Born with an innate interest in visual storytelling, Appix taught himself the intricacies of photography from a young age. By eighteen, he had honed his skills to a professional level, although it wasn’t until the past decade that he began sharing his work with the broader public. Initially, his art remained within the confines of his close circle, capturing intimate moments and personal events.
Over time, Appix’s repertoire expanded to include a variety of subjects, ranging from black-and-white wedding photography to dynamic sports shots and evocative travel imagery. Each genre offered a unique canvas for his creativity, allowing him to experiment with different styles and techniques. His early work, characterized by its representational nature, laid a solid foundation for his later, more abstract endeavors.
Appix’s transition from a private artist to a public figure was gradual but deliberate. His growing confidence in his artistic abilities and the encouragement from those around him played crucial roles in this transformation. Today, he stands as a prominent figure in contemporary photography, continually pushing the boundaries of his craft.
Appix: An Unexpected Turn Towards Art
Appix’s foray into professional photography was serendipitous. Initially, he made a living as an English-French translator, a profession that also demanded a certain level of creativity and attention to detail. However, a chance visit to a contemporary art exhibition in Paris twelve years ago changed the course of his career. Engaging with exhibitors and witnessing the diverse forms of visual art on display, Appix realized that he could channel his own artistic vision into photography. This revelation sparked a newfound passion, prompting him to pursue photography full-time.
Living in Paris, Appix found endless inspiration in the city’s vibrant streets and eclectic culture. The urban landscape became his muse, offering a plethora of opportunities to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of city life. His work began to reflect a deeper, more abstract approach, moving away from traditional representational forms to explore more nuanced and interpretive themes.
This shift in style marked a significant turning point in Appix’s career. His ability to see beauty in the mundane and transform everyday scenes into compelling visual narratives set him apart from his contemporaries. The streets of Paris, with their rich history and dynamic energy, became the backdrop for his artistic evolution, shaping his unique perspective on urban photography.
Transformative Techniques and Influences
Appix’s current work is distinguished by its abstract nature, a departure from his earlier representational pieces. He finds inspiration in the unexpected, often working with glass surfaces to create surprising visual effects. His photographs of irregular wall surfaces, digitally retouched to enhance their texture and depth, are a testament to his innovative approach. This meticulous attention to detail and his ability to manipulate light and shadow allow Appix to create images that are both striking and thought-provoking.
Appix’s artistic influences are as diverse as his body of work. He draws inspiration from renowned photographers such as Sebastiao Salgado, Cartier-Bresson, Robert Doisneau, Willy Ronis, Steve McCurry, and David Muench. Each of these artists has left an indelible mark on Appix’s style, informing his understanding of composition, light, and storytelling. Their work serves as a constant source of motivation, encouraging him to push the boundaries of his own creativity.
Despite the evolving nature of his art, Appix remains grounded in the fundamentals of photography. He seamlessly blends analog and digital techniques, using each to complement and enhance the other. This hybrid approach allows him to capture the authenticity of film while leveraging the flexibility and precision of digital technology, resulting in images that are both timeless and contemporary.
Appix: A Personal Connection to His Work
Among Appix’s extensive portfolio, one piece holds particular significance. In the early 2000s, during a visit to Venice, Italy, he captured a seemingly ordinary yet profoundly evocative photograph. The image features Appix and his lady friend reflected in a glass window, alongside two unidentified Asian individuals. This photograph sparked the idea for a series of works focusing on reflections and glass surfaces, a theme that has since become a hallmark of his style.
This particular piece resonates deeply with Appix, not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its personal and symbolic meanings. It encapsulates a moment of clarity and inspiration that propelled him to explore new artistic directions. The interplay of reflections, combined with the juxtaposition of different cultures and identities, adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the image, inviting viewers to contemplate their own interpretations.
Looking ahead, Appix continues to innovate and expand his creative horizons. In addition to his photography, he is set to release his first music album next year. This ambitious project, blending genres such as dance, rock, reggae, jazz, and bossa nova, reflects his diverse artistic interests and his desire to explore new mediums. Through both his photography and music, Appix remains committed to pushing the limits of his artistry, constantly seeking new ways to express his vision and connect with his audience.
