Austn Fischer, a Wisconsin-born photographer now based in London, uses photography as a medium to articulate feelings and messages that often elude verbal expression. He explains, "I often work in quite a backwards way, knowing exactly what I want to arrange in front of the camera but struggling to understand the significance in my life until I am able to reflect on it after."
Fischer's artistry delves into the realm of fashion as a form of performance, exploring how clothing, style, and physical gestures reflect our identities. A hallmark of his work is the dramatic use of contrast, showcased through unexpected combinations such as lace ruffs paired with athletic wear or a sleek black gown complemented by a delicate horse-shaped wire structure. Each piece, whether a portrait or a conceptual arrangement, radiates a playful spirit and highlights our capacity for reinvention.
Reflecting on his journey, Fischer shares, "Growing up, I had a lot of questions around my sexuality and my own experience as a man. I naturally gravitated towards fashion because of the story clothing can convey in an image." He emphasizes that the interplay of colors, shapes, and fabrics in fashion creates a unique dialogue about identity and the human form.
Throughout his career, Fischer has collaborated with notable figures and brands, capturing Ai Weiwei enjoying a milkshake for The New Statesman and David Byrne in a contemplative moment for Crack Magazine. His ability to transform a predominantly black-and-white palette into images that radiate warmth and softness is a testament to his creative vision.
Currently, Fischer is focused on deepening his understanding of his emotions, particularly following challenging experiences that have influenced his creative process. He recounts a recent project where he spent two weeks painting a wall in a church white repeatedly, a practice aimed at cultivating patience and self-reflection. "I'm working a lot on understanding emotion and myself through putting my body through different tasks or challenges," he notes.
To explore more of Fischer's evocative portfolio, visit his official website.