Arkadiusz Gepchard

Year of birth: 1968. 
Where do you live: I come from Poland but currently live in France.
Describe your art: If even one person smiles while looking at my photos, then it was all worth it.
Your discipline: Artistic photography.
Website | Instagram

Arkadusz Gepchard | Darth Vader | 2024

Can you share the journey of your relationship with photography, from your early experiments in the bathroom darkroom to your current surrealist studio works?

I began my journey with photography in 1980, when I took my first roll of film (which I still have to this day). Back then, learning came from books and mistakes. After assembling my darkroom equipment, I started making prints in my own bathroom, working only at night while everyone in the house was asleep. The enlarger was set up on the washing machine, and the photos were rinsed in the bathtub. Over the years, I gained experience and developed my skills, starting with nature photography and later photographing family and friends. I kept raising the bar for myself, taking increasingly challenging photos. After many years, I realized that I enjoy studio photography the most. Now, I control every aspect of an image, from concept to post-production. Sometimes, I spend weeks working on a single photograph. My apartment is only 26 square meters, and my studio measures 2.80 by 2.50 meters. Despite the limited space, I manage just fine.

What drew you to self-portraiture during the Covid-19 lockdown, and how did this experience transform your perception of yourself?

During the lockdown, confined within four walls without physical contact with others, I had to find ways to stay sane. To grow, one must take lots of photos. I started by photographing hands and then moved on to creating surreal images. Previously, I disliked my appearance, but as I began taking self-portraits, I came to terms with it: “This is how I look, and that’s fine.” Too much here, too little there, normal, and I accept it. Thanks to this process, I began creating images tailored to my face, some humorous, others shocking.

Arkadiusz Gepchard | Gulag | 2024

Your surrealist self-portraits incorporate humor and creativity. What inspires your choice of themes and props for these photographs?

My first self-portrait was titled Extreme Sports, and I had a great time creating it while gaining valuable experience. Many of my portraits are inspired by fictional and cinematic characters. I try to incorporate a touch of humor into each photo because laughter is the best medicine. Creativity and inspiration come and go; sometimes, my mind is blank, while at other times, I have so many ideas that my head feels like it might burst. Often, I’ll see a character or object, and my mind starts racing with ideas on how to incorporate it into a photo, and then I just do it. I design and create my own props from materials found in dumpsters: cardboard, sticks, wires, etc. Some projects, like the mask and breastplate for Vader, take weeks to complete, while others, like the katana sword, only take a few hours. I also enjoy using theatrical makeup, especially for wounds and body injuries (as seen in the photo Siberia).

How does your background in analog photography influence the way you approach digital photography today?

I began my work with an analog camera, where there were only 36 frames, so choosing the right composition was crucial. With no automation and everything set manually, I never knew if the shot turned out until I developed the film in the darkroom days later. From that time, I’ve retained the habit of carefully framing and shooting with intention, even though I now work with digital cameras. While digital photography is undoubtedly easier, I still prefer manual settings, which give me greater control over the final result.

Arkadiusz Gepchard | Punk | 2020

You’ve participated in 44 exhibitions across Europe and North America. Which of these experiences has been the most memorable for you, and why?

I’ve been fortunate that my photos have been recognized in many competitions, although I have yet to win first place, there’s always more work to do. My solo exhibitions have covered various themes, from mountain landscapes to concert photos to nudes. Each exhibition brings immense satisfaction, particularly the interaction with viewers and hearing their thoughts about my work. The greatest reward is receiving news that, out of thousands of entries, my photo has been appreciated.

What role does lighting play in your photography, and how do you use it to convey emotion or atmosphere?

In my opinion, good lighting accounts for 80% of a successful photo. I love experimenting with light, which allows me to present a model in a unique or ordinary way. I frequently experiment with different lighting setups and diffusers. I particularly enjoy high-contrast lighting, transitioning from full illumination to complete darkness. By modifying the light appropriately, I can highlight the details and features of my subjects. Portraits and nudes often turn out beautifully, and I prefer minimalism, using a black background to keep the viewer’s focus on the subject. In my self-portraits, I use one or two lights with a softbox and a honeycomb grid. This setup provides directional lighting that perfectly suits my style.

Arkadiusz Gechard | Joker | 2022

How has living in France influenced your artistic style or subject matter?

Since moving to France in 2015, I’ve been exposed to countless artistic stimuli, visiting many museums and seeing works of art I had studied in school. However, this hasn’t significantly influenced my work, with a few exceptions. I’ve created two self-portraits inspired by great masterpieces: The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli and The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp by Rembrandt. Even though my photos can be challenging to interpret, I create them with passion and always try to incorporate a bit of humor and satire. Despite this, I stick to my own style, which I would describe as “humorous surrealism.”