Just where creativity and the creative process spawns from can be hard to explain. It can be as simple as a feeling or memory, or it can be based on a more figurative experience.
In a rather clever initiative to help showcase the origins of inspiration, the luxury e-comm platform, Farfetch, has engaged artists and creatives from around the world through a photography retrospective as part of a campaign it calls The Art of Choice.
The project allows pop culture auteurs access to Magnum Photos’ extensive archives, acting as their own ode to the people, places and styles that have shapes their creativity, enlisting the sizable talents of architect and drummer for Lebanese rock band Mashrou’ Leila, Carl Gerges.
Starting with 100s of photos from the archives, Gerges whittled down the selection to the four images that “spoke to him the most”, ones that with which he had a history with. Here he tells Esquire Middle East exclusively more about the images he selected and why…
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Three brothers (Lebanon, 1969)
This is probably my favourite image. It is taken in Lebanon in 1969, and shows three brothers who work as sculptures. It touches all the elements that I love: portrait photography; the sculptures in the background; showcasing of unique personal styles between the men; and it captures the epoch of Lebanon in the 1960s and ’70s.
On a personal level, it really spoke to where I currently am in my career right now. I have just launched an exhibition space in Paris, where I am actually showcasing one of the men in the picture. Currently my country of Lebanon is going through one of the most difficult phases in its history, so it is an important and uplifting reminder to look back at the ‘golden years’ of the country.
Two boys on bikes (Morocco, 1972)
I have a very intimate relationship with Morocco. A couple of years ago my band Mashrou’ Leila performed at the opening of the Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech, and we met so many amazing people. It was an eye-opening experience and I kept going back because I felt very connected to it.
For me, this image depicts the simplicity and the beauty of a country that is so rich in nature. It has the Atlantic Ocean from one side, the Mediterranean Sea from the other, and then huge expanses of desert and mountains – you can never get bored of it.
Lady in floral dress (Algeria, 1962)
This image was taken on the day of Algerian independence back in 1962. There is something about the feeling of the picture and the expressions on the people in it that I find it very striking. There is a lady walking and a man staring into the camera, and there is a feeling like there is something going on in that moment – for me it feels like freedom. When I see this photo is gives me a sense of hope that is almost like a breath of fresh air that I think we could use in the world today.
Woman’s jewellery (UAE, 1970)
I’m not normally into close-up photos. I usually love more candid portrait photography where you can see faces and expressions, but I found this shot from the UAE really stood out to me. I find the mixture of so many beautiful colours and textures really beautiful. For me it was the most intimate photo that I selected.
