Akif Hakan

Akif Hakan’s sensual photographs are capturing more than just erotica or glamour. Hakan carefully designs his characters and scenes, influenced by fashion, cinema, the history of photography and experimental portraits of Man Ray. His glamour shots as well as the artistic nudes have a strong cinematic feel, almost as if they were freeze frames from a movie screening.
Hakan was born in Istanbul but his career has begun in the United States in 2004, when he was hired as a cameraman in Miami. He dedicate himself to photography more seriously. His portfolio features female models predominantly Asian women with their soft, alluring femininity. Hakan is known for his capability to create tangibly intimate sets and voyeuristic, erotic scenes arranged in domestic spaces, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. A portion of his work is also dedicated to alternative erotica – BDSM sets and the art of shibari, similarly to Nobyoshi Araki.
Hakan’s most recent body of work is paying homage to the artist’s fascination with Asian cinema and culture. Lighting and palette of Hakan’s Hong Kong series are inspired by movies such as Wong Kar-Wai’s In the Mood for Love. Hakan created the sultry noir atmosphere with his dark backgrounds, golden highlights and luxurious textures against the delicate naked skin of his models. Other photos offer an insight into the avant-garde Japanese fashion. In his Fashion is Image series, Hakan represents the Harajuku fashion style, his models wear heavy make-up and elaborate costumes embellished with toys or flowers, as well as S&M corsets. Hakan’s artworks depicting Tokyo urban and alternative scene.
Hakan is recognized as one of the best new generation photographers by multiple fashion magazines and he was the finalist in the International Color Awards. His ability to capture the intimate, domestic atmosphere and mix dark, gloomy sentiments with glamour and fashion is truly outstanding.
Akif Hakan lives between Hong Kong, Istanbul and Miami.

Submitted by Galerie Jacob Paulett