Graduating from the Portuguese Institute of Photography, Ricardo Reis is an artist who views photography as a blending of mediums that blur the lines between dreams and reality. Shooting his work with black and white 35mm film, Ricardo strives to engage with the viewer in a raw and relatable way in order to elicit honest reactions.
1) Which art movement do you consider most influential on your practice?
I honestly think that it is surrealism and at the same time my background in photojournalism, so it depends on the subject, theme or project I am doing. It can be about framing a specific moment that won't happen again or to create a conceptual vision of "my" reality — my own vision of the world.
2) Where do you go and when to make your best art?
I do my best work in my head when I'm in bed. Regarding the conceptual pieces, I first elaborate the scenario, lighting, all in my head, before taking the actual photograph. If there is a different subject, I feel that my best work comes from just picking up the camera with my music selection for that day's state of mind and wondering around the city.
3) How do you describe your 'creative process'?
My creative process, depending on the project I am doing, can take several days or it can come to me in a flash. Sometimes, everything is set and ready to go before I pick up the camera, or it can be quite the opposite. To go and shoot without anything already predefined allows me to immerse myself within the city and people around me.
4) Which artist, living or deceased, is the greatest inspiration to you?
In terms of photography I would say Philippe Halsman, Cartier-Bresson and William Klein. In terms of painters I would say Klimt and Caravaggio, but I always take inspiration from cinema and music as well.
5) If you weren't an artist, what would you do?
This is such a difficult question! Perhaps psychology or hospitality management.
6) What do you listen to for inspiration?
Honestly it depends on my state of mind and mood and what I want to achieve depending on the specific subject. My musical inspiration includes rock, blues, and jazz.
7) If you could own one artwork, and money was no object, which piece would you acquire?
It would be the photograph of Salvador Dali jumping with the cats and water in plain air by Philippe Halsman, or a piece by Caravaggio or Klimt — either would be amazing.
8) If your dream museum or collection owner came calling, which would it be?
MOMA, Tate, Louvre — Any of these would be amazing and would make me feel so greateful, accomplished and recognized.
9) What is your key piece of advice for artists embarking on a fine art or creative degree today?
to really think about it,because you need to be prepared to sacrifice so much,it is a very difficuld world the art world
10) What is your favorite book of all time (fiction or non fiction)?
I really don't have a favorite book — I love all genres including thrillers, fantasy and romance.
11) If you could hang or place your artwork in one non traditional art setting, where would that be?
The Brooklyn Bridge or a main street of several cities in the world such as NYC, Paris, London, Lisbon, Amsterdam,Tokyo or Hong-Kong.
12) What was the biggest lesson your university course or time studying taught you?
To set objectives and focus to achieve them.
13) And finally, if we were to fast forward 10 years, where would we find you?
As I said before, I would love to be in a museum — I will do the work, hope for a break and recognition with a bit of luck too.
Learn more about Ricardo and discover his collection of photography
