Brief Summary
A wide range of environments and character types are explored in the works of New York City-based Dean West. 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 images push the limits of image making in a digital era while drawing inspiration from a diverse range of 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.
Australian. B 1983 Based in New York City
Clients
DIsney, Fox Sports, Bombay Sapphire, MTV, St Germain, Starburst
Professional Experience
A wide range of environments and character types are explored in the works of New York City-based Dean West. The Australian-born (1983) artist who studied at the Queensland College of Art, 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.
Passionately dedicated to the vast possibilities of digital photography as both a medium and a cultural epoch, 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, 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 (2008) and the prestigious “Arte Laguna Prize” in Venice, Italy (2009).
International art curators have taken notice of the accomplished skill West applies to both his digital photography technique and the complex, cerebral narratives offered in his images. His works have been exhibited at important institutions around the world including the Columbus Museum of Art (2012), Faneuli Hall Museum of Boston (2015), the Paris Expo Porte De Versailles (2015), Puls 5 Gallery in Zürich, and the Discovery Times Square Museum in New York City (2014). 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.
Awards and Recognition
Winner of the IV International Arte Laguna Prize
Fotografica, 'Fabricate' Venice, Italy 2010
Illustrative Photographer of the Year
International Loupe Awards, Australia 2011
Pollux Award | Worldwide Photography Gala 2011
Directors Special Mention, Fabricate
Official Selection Prix De L Photographie Paris
Paris, France 2011
Advertising & Fashion Photographer of the Year
International Aperture Awards, Australia 2010
Emerging Photographer of Canada
Flash Forward, Magenta Foundation, Canada 2011
Applied Arts Magazine Winner, Canada 2011
‘Fabricate’
Applied Arts Magazine Winner, Canada 2011
‘Around the Bend’
International Photography Awards 2011
Lucie Foundation 2nd Place, Fine Art Pro, USA
AIPP Australian Professional Photographer Awards 2011
Creative Photographer of the Year Runner Up
Visual Artist of the Year 2010
Africa Photographic Awards, Johannesburg, South Africa
Winner in the 4th Annual Masters Cup
International Colour Awards, London, United Kingdom
Applied Arts Winner, Canada 2010
‘Fabricate’
Applied Arts Winner, Canada 2010
‘Every Dink Counts’ QLD Government
International Photography Awards Honourable Mention
Lucie Foundation, USA, 2009
Australia’s Top Photographer Nominee
Creative Magazine
Advertising Photographer of the Year
International Aperture Awards, USA 2008
Top 100 Emerging Photographers
Saatchi & Saatchi, Cannes, France 2008