Championing Human Creativity in the AI Era
At Spotlite, our mission extends far beyond simply connecting people. We delve deep into the hidden artistic dreams within each individual, fostering a vibrant space where creative ideas can flow freely, unconfined by the rigid structures of specific products or brands. In the rapidly evolving AI era, we stand firm on our core principle: "Protect Human Creativity." Our goal is to cultivate an expansive stage where there are no rules, no limits – only the pure, unadulterated beauty of the creative artist shining brightly.
Every month, we proudly sponsor test shoots for passionate creative artists, providing the financial support they need to push the boundaries of their imagination. This initiative is a heartfelt commitment from Spotlite to safeguard the unique human creativity and artistic spirit that might otherwise be overlooked amidst the swift currents of technological change. The "Spotlite Original July" project, featuring fashion photographer Heo Jang-beom, is a powerful testament to this dedication.
"There are emotions in the world that are hard to put into words"
Unveiling the Unseen: Heo Jang-beom's Evocative Journey Through Emotion and Art
Some emotions in the world are simply too profound for words. They reside in the silent depths of our being, waiting for a language that can truly capture their essence. For fashion photographer Heo Jang-beom, that language is found in the powerful intersection of photography, the human body, and the raw expressiveness of ink. His work, showcased as part of Spotlite Original Content, perfectly embodies our commitment to fostering unbridled artistic vision.
From Childhood Longings to Visual Narratives
Heo Jang-beom's artistic journey began in childhood, fueled by a vivid imagination that struggled to translate into precise verbal expressions. Often misunderstood, labeled "unclear" or "peculiar," he yearned for a medium that could authentically convey his intricate inner world. Photography became his direct conduit, offering an intuitive way to visualize the complex emotions that words simply couldn't touch. This process of transforming unspoken feelings into dynamic images and movements became his unique solution to a lifelong thirst for expression.
Delving into the Abyss of Emotion
This project, born from Heo Jang-beom's deeply personal narrative, fearlessly explores the core human emotions that can not be expressed in a language form. Freed from the constraints of language, these primal feelings are unleashed through the body, movement, and the dense blackness of 'muk' (ink) – a raw, elemental material.
Imagine the fluid grace of a dancer's body as the ink bleeds, splashes dynamically, and flows elegantly, akin to an Eastern painting where the deepest inner landscape of an individual is rendered upon the canvas's empty space. Emotions expand within this flow, sometimes erupting with explosive energy, only to be reborn in new forms.
This visual journey isn't just an artistic endeavor; it's a profound record of the artist's own emotions, inviting the audience into a space of self-reflection. It asks us to confront our "mental noise" – symbolized by the ink-filled jar – as our bodies become the primal brush, inscribing the unique stories of our souls. This makes it an inspiring example for fashion and beauty brands seeking conceptual photography and unique visual storytelling for their commercial content.
Interviews with the team: Crafting the Unseen
Heo Jang-beom, Photographer: The Body as a Canvas for Emotion
"The inspiration for this project came from observing how people often suppress their emotions, only to express them online. I wanted to delve deeper into these feelings, visualizing them through a concept where 'the human body itself corrodes, expressing itself through its own language.'"
Collaborating with Movement Artists
"As I'm not a choreographer or dancer, I worried about how to best express my imagination. Through an acquaintance, Siwon, I was able to deeply discuss how to embody these emotions through movement, focusing on muscle dynamics. We truly fine-tuned the work on-site."
Beyond Traditional Fashion Photography
"Typical fashion photography often focuses on clothing details and how the model expresses the garments. However, this project was a new frontier for me, allowing me to expand beyond the fashion genre. It demonstrates the possibility that language can be expressed through the body, showcasing my thoughts in an entirely different way. This offers exciting potential for brands looking for innovative visuals."
Synergy with the team
"When conceptualizing this project, I sought individuals who could best express these emotions. Siwon was the most suitable person in my network, and Hyuk-joong, a friend of Siwon's, was perfect for expressing the body's movements. With their help, we choreographed on set, engaging in constant dialogue to align our visions. Their contributions were invaluable in transforming verbal emotions into physical expressions."
The Pure Expression of a "Corroded Body"
"Fashion photography often features glamour and fantasy elements. But this project deliberately stripped away all that extravagance, focusing instead on the raw expression of muscles, Eastern elements, and my inner emotions, purely conveyed through the body. This approach offers a raw, authentic aesthetic for commercial campaigns."
Kim Siwon director: Eastern Aesthetics in Motion
"When I first heard about this project, I immediately envisioned the powerful fusion of black ink and movement. I imagined an Eastern painting drawn with ink, and a 'dance painting' created by the body. My goal was to apply various Eastern painting techniques to the body's expressions."
The Trust in One-Take Shooting
"Working with paints or ink like this often necessitates a one-take shoot. Naturally, I hoped for no mistakes. However, I had such deep trust in dancer Yoon Hyeok-joong that I wasn't overly concerned."
Anticipation for the Dancer
"I wasn't personally nervous; given the one-take nature of the project, my main anticipation was for how well dancer Yoon Hyeok-joong would perform. He's a dancer I truly believe in."
Connecting with the Audience: Emotional Flow for Self-Reflection
"Through this project, we aimed to express various emotional flows. We hope that viewers watching this progression will be prompted to reflect on their own emotions. This kind of introspective visual content can create a powerful connection with audiences for brands."
Yoon Hyeok-joong, Dancer: The Fusion of Ink, Emotion, and Body
"If I had to describe this project in one word, it would be 'ink, emotion, body.' I feel that ink and emotion are fused within my body, and that all these elements, through my body, become a single work of art and a performance."
Approaching the Role as Dancer and Model
"Though I am primarily a dancer, I believed this work required me to combine the roles of both model and dancer. To effectively perform both, I meticulously paid attention not only to dance movements but also to facial expressions and body angles – all the visually communicated aspects."
The Nuance of Movement
"There are differences in movement between a dancer and a model. As a dancer, I can focus less on the camera or frontal gaze, as the movement itself is expressive enough. However, in modeling or photography, it's crucial to be aware of the camera and look directly forward to convey precise intentions."
Capturing Moments vs. Connecting Flow
“Posing as a model largely aims to capture specific moments, so I focused on creating instantaneous poses or forms to suit the situation. As a dancer, however, I spend more time considering how to seamlessly connect movements. In this project, I aimed to harmoniously blend both approaches."
The "There are emotions in the world that are hard to put into words" project is a vivid illustration of Spotlite's unwavering dedication to nurturing and showcasing exceptional creative talent. In a world increasingly shaped by technology, we remain committed to providing a platform where the unique vision and artistic spirit of individuals can flourish without limitation.
Watch full video
Concept/Photography: @heojangbbeom
Dancer: @_yyhjhjhj
Video Director: @kkum.hesse @blueish_leau
Assistant: @hoon.by
Movement Coach: @siwon12
We believe that true innovation stems from unbridled human imagination. Spotlite will continue to champion artists, offering the support and freedom necessary for them to realize their most ambitious projects.
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