We are constantly bombarded with a non-stop stream of images, photos, and videos in today’s world. With the rise of viral content and our reliance on technology to capture every moment, artists like Laura Brunisholz have become even more valuable. Beyond the capabilities of a mere mobile phone camera, her work stands out and demands attention in an era where everything is fleeting. In this fast-paced reality that never stops moving, it is refreshing to see an artist who can transcend the limitations of a digital screen.
This music photographer recognizes that music is her life, as she amalgamates nostalgia, and modernism with her genuine talent for telling stories through a lens. We had the opportunity to talk with Laura and during our conversation, we were privileged to gain insight into her thoughts and approach towards art. Through the interview, she candidly shared her perspectives on various aspects of her career and artistic process, career path, and other intriguing topics.
Can you tell us about your journey from studying psychology in Paris to becoming a music photographer and video director in New York City? What sparked this creative transition?
I have always been interested in psychology, and I still am. Where I grew up everyone was going to university and I was not surrounded by art that much as a kid so it was kind of normal for me to go to university and consider photography only as a hobby. But after a few years, I realized that the only things I really wanted to do were photography and video. I was really missing it and I really wanted to learn and explore more so I decided to go to an art school, I was older so more able to make my own decision. I would have been a bad therapist.
Your work is often described as a blend of conceptual photography with a social media or amateur aesthetic. How do you approach the balance between high art and the more informal style in your photography and video projects?
I think that we need to reconsider the term «high art» and the whole idea of being an artist, the myth of the genius, etc… Things just need to make sense no matter the form. What I like to do is tell stories and a story can have so many forms, I would even think that there is a different form for every story, every subject, and every artist I am working with. I don’t want to be stuck in a certain aesthetic, I see art as freedom.
You’ve exhibited your work internationally, including in Brussels. Can you share some insights into how your time at ERG (École De Recherche Graphique) and your exposure to different creative communities have influenced your artistic style?
Being at ERG has been really important for me. This school allows us a lot of freedom, it’s really experimental.
For my whole time there I had the opportunity to explore so much and everyone was always here to listen to you and pay attention to what you were doing. This school also has a great sense of community, and sharing which is really important for me now, when I am taking photography or when I direct a music video it’s important for me that everyone is sharing their vision.
Music seems to play a significant role in your work. Could you elaborate on how your interest in music has shaped your photography and videography, and what draws you to musicians as subjects?
It will sound cheesy but music is my life (lol). I have been surrounded a lot by musicians in those last years, all my friends are incredible musicians and I was always here to take photos of them so step by step I guess that’s how it became my main subject. Also working with radios has shaped my universe.
Can you describe your creative process when working on a music video? How do you go about translating the narrative quality of your work into moving images and music? What techniques or strategies do you employ to capture the essence and emotions of your subjects in these portraits?
I think I approach things with a lot of freedom. It’s about a feeling, I love telling stories. They come into my mind naturally. What I feel when I listen to the music, what images, atmospheres, and even what smells pop into my mind, then from that I create a narration. I also pay attention to the artist’s background, and universe and then take a path that fits what I feel and who they are.
Many artists find inspiration in certain themes or subjects. Is there a particular theme or concept that consistently resonates with you in your photography and videography?
I think that studying psychology is still an influence in my inspiration; trying to go a bit deeper than the image, finding underlying layers of meaning. I am also influenced a lot by America and pop culture.
How do you navigate the challenges of working in the fast-paced environment of New York City, especially when collaborating with musicians and other creatives on projects?
NYC is a source of motivation, the floor is shaking under your feet, there is always something to do, always a way to find inspiration somewhere, always someone coming in for a show or anything. Opportunities are around the corner
Your work reflects a love for Americana. Can you share what it is about this particular aesthetic that captivates you and how it influences your artistic choices?
I think it’s the same as people think about Paris and all the cliché about it, they dream about it. I grew up listening to music and watching films/series that were only from the US, and I just became obsessed with them. I was so curious, I wanted to know everything but more than what I am able to see on TV I wanted to see the background.
In today’s digital age, where images are constantly consumed and shared, how do you view the impact of technology and social media on the way we perceive and interact with visual art?
Nothing is 100% good or 100% bad… It gives us so much opportunity to discover new things, we just need to find a good balance to keep it true to ourselves and to our vision which can be hard sometimes when you see so much.
What upcoming projects or creative endeavors can we look forward to from Laura Brunisholz, and are there any specific artists or musicians you dream of working with in the future?
I am working with my friend Gabriel René Franjou, he is a French writer and a part of his New Roman happens in NYC. We are working on a short video, the same as a music clip but for a book. It’s a really exciting project.
From Brussels to New York, Laura’s journey has paved a strong path that is also a witness to her passion and the firmness of her emotions and qualities.
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