Mixed media has become increasingly popular in recent memory, with artists from all genres combining talents to create unique offerings. From the mashup of timelapse and animation to pencil drawings and video, combining two art forms from either one very talented artist or a collaboration of two or more artists makes for something special. Just as a mashup of two seemingly different songs, strung together into one seamless melody, a mix of art, done correctly, often produces an inspiring work, such as the newest collaboration between Italian photographer, Luca Meneghel and artist, Norma Nardi.

[REWIND: LUCA MENEGHEL + NORMA NARDI COLLABORATE AGAIN ON ILLUSTRATED PORTRAITS IN CALYPSO SERIES]

Ombra Di Bianco, which in my limited Italian (actually is no Italian past the words ‘pizza’ and ‘gelato’) and Google translate, means roughly, “White Shadow,” is the latest from Meneghel and Nardi and other creative artists. The images offer a stunning set of fashion-inspired imagery mixed with dabs of paint that draws your eye to the model.

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The photographs themselves are breathtakingly beautiful with Meneghel’s masterful use of colors; a subdued hue that begins at the bleak, cold, gray, concrete backdrop of Italy and is a theme woven into the costuming, makeup and props. Fashion blogger The Golden Diamonds is cast perfectly draped in dresses by Jessica Choay. The array of paint fits seamlessly into each photograph with the paint scheme subtly enhancing the image, adding a dream-like feel. The shadows, or ‘ombra’, are contrasted by the opposite, ‘bianco’ or white (the absence of color). A nod to the age old metaphor of a light in the darkness, if you will.

She wanders through the empty streets of London at night like a restless, but still beautiful ghost, a ‘white shadow.’

Dare I say, that this collaboration is the best yet from Meneghel and Nardi, as well as the entire team of artists and the model. Bravo and bellissima!!

Thoughts

I’ve never understood working “as an island.” Even in school, I enjoyed working in groups, even if inevitably, I was tasked with the majority of the work. But the energy that comes out of the bouncing off of ideas from our individual talents, working together toward a common goal, each contributing a piece of yourself to the final product, has always given me a rush. Collaboration has often inspired me to create more and has contributed to my growth as an artist. I encourage you to find some like-minded artists and work together on a project, whether it is a styled shoot or a mixed media project such as this.

photo: Luca Meneghel | drawings: Norma Nardi | model: Doina Ciobanu | beauty artist: Doina Ciobanu | fashion: Jessica Choay | assistant: Maria Bernardi, Fashionising

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To see more of Luca Meneghel’s work, check out his website here.

CREDITS: All photographs by Luca Meneghel are copyrighted and have been used with permission for SLR Lounge. Do not copy, modify or re-post this article or images without express permission from SLR Lounge and the artist.