Gray Malin: Balloon Animal Safari in Namibia

Gray Malin: Balloon Animal Safari in Namibia



LA
local Gray Malin’s photography provides a sense of joyful
escapism, with pieces that strike the perfect balance between the
commercial and the art worlds. His work has seen him commence an
ongoing collaboration with lifestyle brand Orlebar Brown, and his
images have been displayed in impressive interior spaces, such as
J. Crew’s flagship store in London. Malin’s passion for both
photography and for interior design is evident in his awe-inspiring
images − which are orchestrated with the ultimate objective of
being displayed on an interior wall.

The photographer’s work took flight, quite literally, when he
produced the first of his Aerial series; bird’s-eye-view images of
the world’s most popular beaches. In these celebrated overhead
images, Malin adopts an elevated angle in order to highlight the
compositions and intriguing patterns that develop from the
activities of organised human leisure. His latest Namibia series
displays a grounded view of kitsch modern celebratory decorations,
juxtaposed against the often stark, arid backdrops of the Namibian
desert and the surrounding grassland. The result is a delightful
procession of playful mirages; a refreshing and unique take on
African landscape photography.

The power behind Malin’s images lies in the delight the viewer
receives at being able to capture a moment that, in the
photographer’s words, will ‘beckon you to live within it’. From his
ironic gold balloon lettering to his zany animal portraiture and
even his graphic black and white shots, there is an optimistic
quality to his work that leaves the audience feeling ever so
slightly but undeniably uplifted.