In November 2022, my photographic partner, Iango Henzi, and I embarked on a special project for Vanity Fair Europe centered around Madonna. With her upcoming world tour, we aimed to create something artistic and meaningful. Our original idea was to reimagine The Last Supper, but with Madonna as the sole figure. However, we wanted to push the boundaries even further.
For every photoshoot we undertake, we begin by researching and developing a concept based on references. When working with Madonna, we provide her with these references and a plan, and she would often come back with her own ideas and suggestions. It is a collaborative exchange that aims to explore the emotional impact and message behind each image.
Later on, we drew inspiration from paintings, particularly those by Botticelli. We asked Madonna and some of the other women to dye their hair in rich red tones reminiscent of Botticelli’s work. Additionally, we referenced the French film, La Grande Bouffe, from the 1970s, to capture a sense of decadence and a grand feast.
While Madonna is usually involved in casting decisions, for this project, she entrusted us to find people whose faces resembled those in old master paintings while also ensuring inclusivity. We wanted to feature different types of women, including transgender women.
Incorporating wine stains and dirty plates into the image was important to us. We wanted to represent the messiness and imperfections of our lives. A pristine scene would not have accurately reflected reality. We also used a specific lens to create a distorted and chaotic look, adding depth and a sense of reality to the image.
We carefully selected the food and props, choosing fruits and breads that exuded lusciousness and decadence. During the shoot, Madonna broke open a loaf of bread, which disintegrated into powder and crumbs. This moment was not meant to reference Jesus, but rather to symbolize her act of sharing with others. We wanted to challenge the selfishness often seen in society and highlight Madonna’s role as a mother figure to many.
Body language played a crucial role in our composition. The women’s movements conveyed a sense of freedom and sensuality. There was an organic connection between them, and Madonna seemed to guide the energy. It almost felt like a theatrical performance.
Iango and I first met in Paris about 10 years ago. I used to work as a hairstylist for photoshoots, while Iango was a photographer and dancer. We shared a desire to create photographic pieces that explored truth and ideas. As Luigi & Iango, we work as partners in photography and in life. We have found that being married does not hinder our collaboration; in fact, we often alternate roles based on who has a stronger vision for a particular project.
Throughout our career, we have worked with prestigious magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, ID, Dust, Chaos, and W, collaborating with renowned models, actors, and singers like Cate Blanchett, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Penélope Cruz, Pedro Almodóvar, Cher, Rihanna, and Marina Abramović.
We have a deep appreciation for the female form, finding poetry in its shapes. This is evident in the numerous nudes we have captured in our work. One particular moment that stands out is when we photographed Precious Lee, a famous plus-size model, in the nude. The image was spontaneous, and after seeing herself in it, Precious was moved to tears. Our subjects place their complete trust in us, knowing that our nude photographs are always tasteful and respectful.
Provocation is not our intention in photography. Instead, we seek to search and discover, approaching each subject with depth and meaning. This constant exploration of the world is a pursuit of knowledge, which in turn becomes art.
Luigi Murenu’s CV:
Born: Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
Training: Self-taught
Influences: Man Ray, George Platt Lynes, Irving Penn, Robert Mapplethorpe
High point: Our first solo exhibition at Palazzo Reale in Milan, Italy
Low point: A dangerous storm that destroyed our printer office and damaged all our prints and tests
Top tip: Find your own unique path by following your instincts and putting equal value, passion, and determination into everything you do.
Luigi & Iango: Unveiled, edited by Thierry-Maxime Loriot with a foreword by Madonna, is now available from Phaidon.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
