Audubon Greenwich Welcomes Claudio Basso’s ‘Drifters’ Collection

Internationally acclaimed photographer Claudio Basso has introduced his “Drifters” collection, a limited edition of ten fine art black and white landscape photographs, at the gallery at Audubon Greenwich. The collection will be on view until June 30.

Only six editions will be produced of each 50 by 40-inch photograph. With the “Drifters” collection Mr Basso, who lives in Newtown with his wife Kirsten, signs his encounter with nature and its shapes. Mr Basso’s his unique style – which combines sensuality, elegance and sophisticated photography in dramatic black and white – has created an intriguing new collection of images that let the viewer’s imagination run free over the meaning of a shape and its impact on the senses.

Among those attending the opening reception for “Drifers,” which was hosted by the gallery on May 6, was the contemporary photography collector and current president of The Guggenheim Museum, Jennifer Blei Stockman.

“Claudio Basso is a masterful artist adept at capturing the spirit and soul of any subject matter,” said Ms Blei Stockman. “In this first landscape series he was able to make even trees look like sensual and/or organic creatures. Claudio is truly a gifted artist. He has the ability to change the way in which we perceive the world around us.”

“There is really no particular concept behind this story rather an emotional response to a shape by itself or a shape in the moment that moved my senses,” said Mr Basso. “The intent was to transfer the same quiet sensuality of my fashion work into landscape images, but without any presumption of interpretation, leaving that to the viewer himself.

“Some images still talk to me, which makes me happy, as I get bored of my work rather quickly, becoming a reassuring element that I should continue this journey into nature and its shapes,” he added. “We already have in the works another collection; it will be interesting to see if it will meet the public’s interest so intensely as ‘Drifters.’”

Audubon Greenwich has already committed to the next project, which will have more than 60 prints.

“From my side there is joy, happiness and love in creating these images,” said Mr Basso. “They feel close to my heart and I hope they will be able to move the viewer’s senses as they do to me.”

Born in Paris in 1959, Claudio Basso has had an impressive volume of work published across four continents. His professional career started in Milan, where he was mentored by Alberto Nodolini, the renowned art director of Italian Vogue.

From Milan to London, Paris and New York, Mr Basso created fashion editorial for prestigious magazines such as American Vogue, New York Women, French Elle, Vanity, Bazaar, Amica and Grazia.

The elegance of his work also contributed to such prominent catalogues as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s Bonwit Teller and the German Otto Versand. While recognized in Japan for the Max Factor cosmetic campaigns and in Peru and Greece for his stunning Elle covers, Mr Basso never abandoned his most intimate work. Among his exhibits in New York City are memorable series of black and white featuring celebrities with an infant.

The Audubon Center in Greenwich is at 613 Riversville Road; telephone 203-869-5272. The gallery is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm. To preview the show or to learn more about Mr Basso visit his website, www.ClaudioBasso.com.