Realness : J'adore Kevin Amato

For Bronx-based , Kevin Amato , photography documents his life. His fascination with people and their lifestyles. I adore the stark realness of his photographs, it evokes that L.I.E and BULLY aesthetic. Amato explains his style as 'how youth culture and street fashion inspire both mainstream culture and high fashion.' His work has been featured in Dazed & Confused, Flaunt, Trace & Interview Magazine.

How Did you Get Started?
KA : there wasn't anything else I wanted to do.. I've been exposed to alot of shit from traveling since a young age and growing up in between the suburbs and the city.. it was a way to keep record. people & their lifestyles are quite fascinating to me.

What Inspires/ Motivates / Influences You?
KA : life.. and living it, honesty and soul.

Describe Your Artistic Process?
KA : I like being surprised , kind of spontaneous. for me it's about personality, emotion, access and being part of every image I make. not the technical shit.

How Do you describe your style?
KA : high meets low, how youth culture and street fashion inspire both mainstream culture and high fashion. for me, it's about the intimacy as well. whether a portrait, fashion or reportage assignment, I approach it all the same. there's no difference. the only difference is what I'm selling whether garment or emotion.

Is there an image from your early days (your own or someone you admire) that still makes you go wow?
KA : I have great respect and acknowledge the inspiration other artists influence my work. from larry Clark, mario testino, jack pierson, to young photographers like Ruvan, jenny gage and Sarah a friedman.. Friedman schooled me in photography as a mentor for about 4..5 years. I think some of her early personal work stands out.

What has been the most surprising or most predictable reaction to your photographs?
KA : people usually love or don't understand the looseness of my work. it's definitely not American glamor.. yet! but i think the industry is changing, becoming a bit more honest..

What Are you living for now?
life ! my sister! and dark humor!

What's Next? Film?
KA :next is an exhibition I'm putting together, entitled Stay Lovely.. a series of personal work. film has def been considered, time will tell..

What advice would you give to someone looking at a career in photography?
KA : be honest to yourself, and make it your own.. it shouldn't ever feel like a career..

Images Kevin Amato - FLAUNT MAGAZINE