David Black (photographer)

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David Black
David-black.jpg
David Black
Website davidblackphotography.com

David Black is a photographer, director, and fine artist known for his raw, energetic cinematic style sometimes referred to as Western noir.

Contents

Career

Often exploring themes of Western Americana and hazy contemporary glam, his evocative photography is said to push the boundaries of expression and redefine photographic norms [1] . He’s known for work that is painterly, atmospheric, and mysterious [2] .

Black has published three monographs: Candy Mountain (2021), The Days Change at Night (2017), and Cerro Gordo (2016). These works have served as origin points for partnerships with brands, fashion designers, gallerists, and musicians, using his artistic work as a reference for fresh iconography.

Black’s pivotal collaboration with Daft Punk [3] began with their experimental feature film Electroma. Subsequently, Daft Punk commissioned Black to produce the now-iconic key visuals for their final and best-selling album, Random Access Memories. The band continued to collaborate with Black throughout this critically acclaimed album’s heightened success, including books, a limited-edition box set, and launch film.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs initially collaborated with Black to create the visual approach for their comeback album “Cool It Down” after nearly a decade-long hiatus. Black also directed the acclaimed video for “Black Top,” [4] a single off their Grammy-nominated album. [5] Capping off their reunion tour at the Hollywood Bowl, the band tapped Black to direct a film documenting that day and the journey to get there [6] .

His editorial portraiture includes Kim Gordon, Lou Doillon, Cat Power, Charli XCX, Seu Jorge, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Christina Aguilera, Trippie Redd, Poppy, The Kills, The Roots, Pharrell, Robert Altman, RZA, Peter Bogdanovich, Oliver Stone, D.A. Pennebaker, and Bruce Robinson. This work has been featured in Vogue, Numéro, The New Yorker, Another magazine, T: The New York Times style magazine, Interview, Rolling Stone, Complex, and more.

As a fine artist, David Black has exhibited his work at OFR Paris, Aperture NYC, One Trick Pony LA, and the Lodge [7] .

He's also shot campaigns for worldwide brands including Taittinger, Netflix, Spotify, Lexus, Google, Apple, and Coca-Cola. He's directed short films for Rodarte [8] and Shinola, as well as a collaboration with the band the Black Lips and Gucci [9] .

Personal life

David currently splits his time between Los Angeles and Paris. He is represented by Giant Artists agency. [10]

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References

  1. "Parallel Spotlight: David Black, Crafting a Lyrical Journey Through Li". Parallel Editions. October 14, 2023. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  2. "DAVID BLACK | 15/06/22 | The Mag | The Agents Club". theagents.club. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  3. "The Work That Made Me: David Black | LBBOnline". lbbonline.com. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  4. Paul, Larisha (February 7, 2023). "Yeah Yeah Yeahs Are All Silhouettes and Technicolor Dreams in 'Blacktop' Music Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  5. "Yeah Yeah Yeahs | Artist | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  6. Robinson, Ellie (October 9, 2022). "Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Japanese Breakfast and The Linda Lindas join forces to cover Kim Wilde's 'Kids In America'". NME. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  7. "The Lodge LA". THE LODGE. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  8. "David Black | RODARTE "Mycelium"". Reverie Content. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  9. "David Black | Black Lips". Reverie Content. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  10. Black, David. "David Black". Giant Artists. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved February 8, 2014.