René & Radka - Pictures, Art, Photography

René & Radka


Background Information about René & Radka

Introduction

ABOUT THE WORK

Motel Series

Photography duo René & Radka artistically depict female characters who would not seem out of place in an Edward Hopper painting. The duo’s creations are heavily influenced by the 15 years they spent living in Paris. Inspired by classical pieces from art and film history, the pair are able to produce pieces charged with intense longing, loneliness, and melancholy.

It is immediately clear that René & Radka are not focussed on spontaneity, but on delicately and elaborately constructed scenes. Despite this, their works retain a distinct lightness. “Motel Series” is a unique blend of timeless elegance and joyful experimentation. Reflections, transparent fabrics, and the use of shadow provide the images with an endless supply of alluring details to discover. In some cases, the photographs entice with their almost graphical textures and patterned lighting, whilst in others, reflections multiply the images’ subjects and offer the viewer a deeper look into the pictured space. The stylistic approach is reminiscent of virtuoso fashion photographer Erwin Blumenfeld.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

René, who was born in Germany, and Radka, who was born in the Czech Republic, have worked together since they met in Paris in the early 1990s. During this time, their works have appeared in countless solo and group exhibitions. They are particularly well known for their expressive fashion photography, as well as for more experimental pieces such as “Under water” or “Come and play with us!”

Recently, the duo’s photographs were shown in the Slovakian National Gallery in Bratislava. The influence of American cinema, including directors such as Stanley Kubrick and David Lynch, explains why these glamorous yet intimate moments possess a surreal, almost mystical quality.

Bio

René Hallen
Studied Photography at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Dortmund, Germany
Lives and works in Los Angeles, USA
Radka Leitmeritz
Studied Film at the Academy of Performing Arts, Prague, Czech Republic
Lives and works in Los Angeles, USA

Awards

2006Prague Fashion Photo of the Year

Exhibitions

2012Dreams and Shadows, Bratislava City Gallery, Slovakia
2012Colors of the Wind, Bon Marché, Paris, France
2009Under Water, MNAF Florence, Italy
2009Under Water, Galerie Philippe Chaume, Paris, France
2006Moonage Daydream, Viaux Gallery, Berlin, Germany
2009I don’t know what kind of girl I am, New York Photo Festival, USA
2006Prague Fashion Photo, Manes Galerie, Prague, Czech Republic
1998Projection Nocturne, Galerie Esther Woerdehoff, Paris, France