U Repubblica

Jul 2026

In this evocative portrait series for U Repubblica, photographer Paul Kooiker and creative director Ben Kelway capture the enigmatic artist Maurizio Cattelan through a lens of profound visual austerity. The project, which sits at the intersection of digital media and contemporary art, avoids the typical flash of celebrity profiles in favor of a quiet, meditative intensity. Across a diverse array of images, Kooiker utilizes a sophisticated blend of natural light and studio strobe setups to oscillate between high-key clarity and dramatic, low-key chiaroscuro. The editorial aesthetic is anchored by Giovanni Dario Laudicina’s restrained styling, which favors minimalist silhouettes that ensure the focus remains entirely on the subject’s iconic, textured presence. By employing both traditional digital workflows and the visceral quality of analogue film, the team produces a sequence of images that feel both timeless and deeply intentional. Whether Cattelan is framed against ornate architectural ironwork or lost in the stark solitude of a dark room, the composition remains anchored in a disciplined, cinematic perspective. This series succeeds because it treats the portrait not as a mere document of a public figure, but as an intimate exploration of form and shadow. With the meticulous hair styling by Marco Minunno and precise makeup by Arianna Campa, the work delivers a cohesive, powerful visual narrative that honors the legacy of its subject while pushing the boundaries of modern media portraiture.

Editorial, Vertical

Natural light

Digital Media & Publishers, Media & Entertainment