About Sebastian Mader

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION

With tanned bodies, bold 1960s swimwear, and provocative poses, Sebastian Mader’s “Flamingo Kids” resurrects the spirit of the Swinging Sixties. His works are intricate tableaus, impossibly rich in anecdote, where a different story seems to blossom in every corner. From the sunbathers’ amusing quest for a perfect tan to a game of checkers played over orange halves, we are drawn into the bustling activity of this curious beach entourage. Mader masterfully engages the voyeur within, positioning us above the scene until we become part of the work itself.

And while the setting is at first reminiscent of a Slim Aarons photograph - capturing the jet-set’s organic glamour in a seemingly spontaneous snapshot - it is an impression that proves to be an illusion. Upon closer examination, a realization dawns: everything is too perfect to be left to chance. Here, recalling the style of David LaChapelle, even the slightest flaw is transformed into an act of calculated perfection.

This rich approach to storytelling weaves through the entire five-part series to which “Flamingo Kids 3” belongs. Each piece unveils new facets of the jovial group’s interactions and conversations, brought vividly to life by a wealth of loving details.

Sebastian Mader, an artist celebrated for his distinctive and instantly recognizable visual narrative, is a visual alchemist who seamlessly blends the old with the new, and the past with the future, firmly positioning his work within contemporary culture. Mader's art is characterized by a vivid, dream-like, and glamorous sensuality that exists between reality and fantasy. He achieves this through his acute sense of lighting and electric use of color, all harnessed by his conceptual approach. He is a master of light, creatively tuned to transform his subjects into objects of desire. Sebastian began his career in New York City, assisting the legendary photographer Steven Klein. He is currently engaged in global commissions and fine art projects, and his work has been featured and profiled in numerous publications, including Vogue and Andy Warhol’s Interview Magazine.

VITA

Sebastian Mader is a German-born Photographer and Director. He was raised in a small Bavarian village and later graduated from law school. After passing the bar exam, he chose to pursue his dream of becoming a photographer. Sebastian currently resides in New York with his wife and two sons.

INTERVIEW

Picasso once said: “You don’t make art, you find it.” Where do you find your art?

Picasso was right: for me, art is a process of discovery. I don’t find it by searching desperately, but by focusing on my intrinsic interests.

I often find my greatest inspiration outside of photography – in films, music, other art forms, everyday details, and books. These sources provide puzzle pieces that come together in my mind to form new images and concepts. Art, therefore, doesn’t just happen in front of the camera; it begins long before, in the conscious and unconscious engagement with the world.

From idea to realization: how do you approach your work?

This process is like a journey: constant digging, feeling, smelling. You collect intuitively until a viewpoint or perspective crystallizes — the actual message. Only then does the form emerge; style and technique serve as a vessel for that idea. It’s an eternal, recurring cycle. This is where Picasso’s words ring true: there is no blueprint as with an engineer; the artwork must be discovered and unearthed.

Your favorite book?

The Bible. A book that remains while others come and go. I return to it again and again, and it always offers new insights. It has endured for millennia — a testament to its permanence. You open it and find a profound reflection of the world within.

How did you come to art?

I actually trained as a lawyer, but my heart always belonged to photography. It was simply my great passion, and I knew I wanted to become a photographer. I love expressing myself creatively and bringing my ideas to life. My role models are photographers such as Irving Penn, Guy Bourdin, and Slim Aarons.

Which people around you influence you?

My family — my wife and our two boys — constantly inspire me to see the world with open eyes and to keep a childlike sense of wonder for small things. Equally important are the people who support and inspire me: my assistants, fellow artists, and other creatives. Conversations with them, as well as visiting exhibitions and openings, are an endless source of new ideas.

Imagine you had a time machine. Where would you go?

My journey wouldn’t go into the future but to the resurrection of Jesus. An incredible thought, yes — but the greatest of all stories, whose shockwaves have shaped billions over millennia. To witness that moment, the breaking of everything known — that would be the essence of human existence and would shatter all imagination.

Your greatest passion beyond art?

Outside of art, my life currently revolves mostly around my two boys. Their energy keeps me constantly on my toes! I love spending every free weekend at basketball tournaments or lacrosse games. When time allows, I devote myself passionately to our house — repairs and renovations are among my favorite activities. I love cooking — and, of course, traveling!