Through the lens of Wallpaper* contributor Adrien Dubost
‘Through the lens’ is our monthly series that throws the spotlight on emerging photographers who are Wallpaper* contributors. Every month one photographer is commissioned to capture the upfront Newspaper section – an artist’s residency in print form – here we explore their vision further.
After graduating from a French business school Adrien Dubost worked as a production assistant in Barcelona for two years. It was there that he discovered his passion for photography, deciding to pursue it at the London Institute of Photography. After taking part in courses taught by Holger Pooten, founder of the school, Dubost decided to specialise in portraiture and still life photography. He now balances his time between personal projects and editorials.
Wallpaper*: Describe your style of work and process.
Adrien Dubost: I have a passion for objects so I am always looking for new and unusual shapes and textures. This interest led me to still life photography. I spend hours on eBay and in flea markets digging for the most interesting yet often meaningless objects. Once I have objects it is the ideation stage that I most enjoy; the process of staging the objects that I find, feeling out how to make them fit together and creating aesthetically appealing photographs from them.
As textures and colours are important to me I choose to use an analog camera. I really enjoy the rhythm enforced by it, as the number of frames is limited, so you have to make clear-cut choices that create a structure to shooting.
W*: Who or what made you want to be a photographer?
AD: I would say that it was my father that passed on his passion for art. He was always dragging me to all kinds of exhibitions when I was growing up. However it was much later that I picked up a camera, during my years as a production assistant in Barcelona, while scouting for shoots we were producing. Outside of working hours I was also beginning to experiment for myself and as my interest grew I began speaking to the photographers that would meet on set, gaining information and inspiration. Eventually it was them who pushed me to turn my appetite for photography into a full time interest, and now career. I told to myself that if they can do it, then I should be capable also.
W*: What’s currently on your radar?
AD: A few months ago I saw Pantha du Prince’s new gig called ‘Conference of Trees’ at the Barbican. It is an ambient-techno live set using hand-crafted instruments to explore the sonic characteristic of different woods. They are playing end of August in Hamburg. I highly recommend. I’m planning to see Harry Gruyaert’s exhibition at L’Hôtel Départemental des Arts in Toulon, South of France. I am also super excited by Le Studio at Le Nouveau Musée National de Monaco. It’s a pedagogic space designed by my very talented friends Studio Quetzal
INFORMATION
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Harriet Lloyd-Smith was the Arts Editor of Wallpaper*, responsible for the art pages across digital and print, including profiles, exhibition reviews, and contemporary art collaborations. She started at Wallpaper* in 2017 and has written for leading contemporary art publications, auction houses and arts charities, and lectured on review writing and art journalism. When she’s not writing about art, she’s making her own.
-
A new Oxford Street pop-up celebrates IKEA's blue bags
IKEA's iconic blue bag gets its own pop-up concept store, the 'Hus of Frakta'.
By Smilian Cibic Published
-
Audemars Piguet and Kaws have created the Royal Oak Concept watch we didn't know we needed
The Audemars Piguet x Kaws Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon 'Companion' is slick wrist-worn art
By Thor Svaboe Published
-
A friendly rivalry coloured by kinship: Wendy Maruyama and Tom Loeser on their two-artist show
'I wanted to make furniture, just not traditional furniture, but weird furniture,' says Wendy Maruyama on ‘Colorama’, a two-artist show presented at design gallery Superhouse (until 11 January 2025)
By Gregory Han Published
-
Felicia Honkasalo on creative obsessions, gothic horror, and the sci-fi world of AI photography
Explore the vision of Helsinki-based artist Felicia Honkasalo in ‘Through the lens’, our monthly series spotlighting photographers who are Wallpaper* contributors
By Sophie Gladstone Published
-
Cyprien Gaillard on chaos, reorder and excavating a Paris in flux
We interviewed French artist Cyprien Gaillard ahead of his major two-part show, ‘Humpty \ Dumpty’ at Palais de Tokyo and Lafayette Anticipations (until 8 January 2023). Through abandoned clocks, love locks and asbestos, he dissects the human obsession with structural restoration
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith Published
-
Year in review: top 10 art interviews of 2022, chosen by Wallpaper* arts editor Harriet Lloyd-Smith
Top 10 art interviews of 2022, as selected by Wallpaper* arts editor Harriet Lloyd-Smith, summing up another dramatic year in the art world
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith Published
-
Yayoi Kusama on love, hope and the power of art
There’s still time to see Yayoi Kusama’s major retrospective at M+, Hong Kong (until 14 May). In our interview, the legendary Japanese artist vows to continue to ‘create art to leave the message of “love forever”’
By Megan C Hills Last updated
-
Antony Gormley interview: ‘We’re at more than a tipping point. We’re in a moment of utter crisis’
We visit the London studio of British sculptor Antony Gormley ahead of his major new show ‘Body Field’ at Xavier Hufkens Brussels
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith Last updated
-
Photographer Maisie Cousins on nostalgia, impulsive making and ‘collecting useless things’
Explore the vision of British artist Maisie Cousins in ‘Through the lens’, our monthly series spotlighting photographers who are Wallpaper* contributors
By Sophie Gladstone Last updated
-
Rashid Johnson in Menorca: a journey through migration, longing and togetherness
We visited Rashid Johnson’s Brooklyn studio ahead of the artist’s show at Hauser & Wirth Menorca, which contemplates drift – physical and emotional
By Osman Can Yerebakan Published
-
Step inside the kaleidoscopic universe of Pipilotti Rist
Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist, who headlines Wallpaper’s November 2022 issue, has transformed the way we see, with a poetic yet playful practice spanning three decades. Here, and in a special portfolio, she reveals how she has liberated video art from its conventions, imbued the digital realm with emotion, animated public spaces, and harnessed the healing powers of colour
By Jessica Klingelfuss Last updated