MAD Madrid Photograph

We all live on the verge, playing along the edges of existence. Every choice we make involves a risk, and we try to handle our emotions as we peer into the depths of the world around us. Madrid is a city full of passion where old and new coexist. A woman sits on the ledge of the Senator Gran Vía 21 hotel rooftop, right in the center of Gran Vía Avenue. She looks down, taking time to make her choice. Is she going to jump? Or is she just enjoying the thrill of being there? This image was not preplanned at all. It was instead the result of chance and some risk-taking. The model and I joined up to explore the city streets. We had a creative meeting beforehand — an interview to stimulate her right brain. Through her answers, I created a character based on her alter ego. She then developed her style with her own clothes and makeup. This was an experiment where the model/actress was exploring different emotions portraying her character. I am also a filmmaker, so I helped by directing her. I used the surroundings to compose the image and convey the idea of what she was feeling at the moment. "I did not even have to explain anything to her; we were both in some kind of creative trance as we rode the elevator to the top floor." We were walking down the Gran Vía, a majestic avenue filled with people and tall buildings. I looked up and got the idea: we needed to get up there on the roof. I took her hand and we entered the impressive entrance of the big hotel building. I did not even have to explain anything to her; we were both in some kind of creative trance as we rode the elevator to the top floor. "Even in the midst of creative enthusiasm, never get carried away and put people in dangerous situations." The door leading out to the roof was open. To the right was the hotel pool, closed because it was autumn, and to the left we found the A/C air vents and a big balcony. Suddenly I saw the opportunity — a solid wall at the corner, about 5 feet high (150 cm). Directly below it was the terrace for the presidential suite. This was at the very edge of the building, so the model could sit here safely and create the illusion that there was nothing below her. It is very important to always put safety first. Even in the midst of creative enthusiasm, never get carried away and put people in dangerous situations. We were getting into the mood, working almost in complete silence. I helped her to safely climb the ledge. Then I moved away from her and composed the image. When I saw the photograph on my computer, I was struck by its powerful story and emotional impact. I decided to convert it to black and white, both to emphasize the dramatic moment and to focus the attention on the character without any distraction from colors and surrounding details.

Photography:Black & White on Paper

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:28 W x 16.1 H x 1.2 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.