Previously unseen works by Stephan Lupino

Until 1 June, the globally renowned Croatian photographer, Stephan Lupino, is exhibiting the previously unseen opus of his recent design exhibits. The exhibition is named Apocalypse, and the venue is just as unusual as the works of art themselves; the lobby of Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall.

The unusual artistic opus by the renowned Croatian photographer Stephan Lupino has once again reached the limelight in his latest exhibition Apocalypse, which will be featured in the lobby of Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall until 1 June. However, it does not consist of his typical art photography, but rather previously unknown design exhibits. The exhibition features numerous everyday items in new roles, such as furniture-sculptures, mirrors, crosses and numerous other artefacts that the artist envisioned and presented in a different light.

Although many know him as an art photographer, one of the best in the region at that, his artistic passion, expressivity and innovativeness are equally reflected in other forms of art; sculpture, design of everyday items and toying with iconographic contradictions. Through his work, and in his particular way, he explains some important historic figures and events in a language which is both understandable and complex at the same time. 

The exhibition titled Apocalypse will remain on display in Zagreb until June, when it leaves for New York, the city which greatly influenced Lupino’s career as a freelance artist. 

He often refers to himself as an image-maker, and he made his way into the big leagues using some “great” women. During his New York adventure, he first worked as an exclusive model for onetime photography editor at “Vogue” and “Harper’s Bazaar”, Deborah Turbeville, which made him “King of the Night” at New York’s elite clubs. However, when he borrowed her camera during the 1983 Venice Carnival and shot his first photos and portraits, the switch from model to photographer became his new reality.

A year later, his work already adorned the pages of the world’s best known fashion magazines, but also the most influential photography magazines, such as the French “Photo” and “Zoom”, which gave him a lot of attention, recognizing him as a revolutionary author with something special to give. He has undressed more than two thousand women in front of his lens, showing them differently than others ever did; instead of sensual nudes, his models are strong, independent and less romantic. He had a regular column in “Night Life” magazine, for which he photographed numerous members of New York’s jet-set at the time. Upon returning to Croatia he photographed many politicians, and today he is known for his humanitarian project; a series of photographs of children suffering from leukaemia, titled “My Angels”. 

Apart from art he has done many other things in life; he trained karate and worked as a driver and bodyguard. Besides photography, he is showing an increasing passion for the design of everyday items and furniture, which is clearly visible in this exhibition.