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Interview No.1 / LUIS SANCHIS by Masayo Kishi

As a fan of Spanish photographer Luis Sanchis’ prominent works, such as those for Gucci and The Face (from 1997), I was a bit nervous to meet him through a friend in Chelsea, New York.  This was back in 2011 and I was immediately moved by his perspective, thought process and his experiences. Since then, we have worked together and shared with each other the difficulties and joys of living as artists. 

Let’s look back at his archives and latest works to hear how he's been feeling.





Let’s look back at his archives and latest works to hear how he's been feeling.                               

 

P: Can I ask you, candidly, how the pandemic has affected you? 

 

L: We are living very interesting times, and we are all affected one way or another. We are all connected. 

I believe what's happening in a strange way and in the long run is a good thing for humanity and for the planet, and proof that there is less pollution—dolphins are going back to Venice. People had to slow down and reflect on their lives, the world, and ourselves are waking up, and that always happened with a certain degree of personal pain. Our generation was too spoiled. Our parents or grandparents suffered similar situations like this one but not us until now. In my specific case professionally, I got canceled for several jobs. I know everything is shut down, and the future is uncertain. On a personal level it is tough economically, trying to keep positive and my energy high, taking care of myself and staying healthy. Reflecting. I've been in similar situations in the past, so I am familiar with this. Trying to use my energy in positive ways. Cooking, working on personal photo projects, and getting back to drawing, reading and reflecting on myself and the world. I believe it all starts with oneself then I can help others.


 

P: Do you think this experience will change your photography in the future?

 

L I believe my photography and all I do is always changing and evolving, and definitely after this experience some things will change. My perceptions and the way I see myself, people and reality are ever-changing. As time goes by and I live more experiences, this enriches me and consequently, everything I do. You see, as we get older ourselves, our job and everything we do should get better, as long as you feel alive and you have a fire within. Photography and everything I do is just a reflection of me, and as I said, I am always changing. Regenerate and rejuvenate or die. 

 

P: What is your life motto?

 

L: To have experiences, to learn, to know thyself and to grow to become

a human being to BE FREE. 


P: What was the most memorable shoot or a person you ever had?

 

L: There are so many and at the same time, everything is memorable, and at the same time they are all experiences. In the fashion photography field, the first story I shot for The Face magazine was important. That story

opened me up to another world.I had an idea and very little money. I bought a small plastic swimming pool like 6x8 feet or something like that and filled it up with water. We shot in a studio with a couple of lights. This is 1996, no Photoshop, no digital. People thought that the pictures were shot in a big swimming pool at night and Photoshopped it. Like most of my work, even today it’s mostly done on camera. Old school, you know…

 

P: Movies or artists who motivate or inspire you?

 

L: The list is endless. Mostly from cinema, directors of photography (DoP), painters and music. My own experiences, people, stories, etc. I grew up reading comic books. All kinds from fantasy to sci-fi—classic literature to superheroes. The artists that always impacted me and I resonated the most with were the three D's:  Leonardo Da Vinci, Salvador Dali, and Walt Disney. 

 

P: What do you love and hate living in New York? 

 

L; Haha everything and nothing. I am pretty indifferent nowadays. 

 

P: Do you have any “you are so Spanish” moments?  

 

L: Yeah, I heard it before, but I don't remember any specific moment.

I feel universal. No country, no color. We are all from the stars. 

 

P: Lastly, I am curious about your horoscope?

L: Aries.

September 2020

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