"The Angel Factory, Bryan Johnson I", Markus Klinko, 2023
We live in a society where beauty precedes many other aspects of life. Our obsession with looking great, and having perfect features and bodies, has driven people to extreme lengths. Plastic surgery has become increasingly popular to alter one's appearance and achieve the desired look.
Markus Klinko's going project, The Angel Factory, explores this phenomenon delving into society's obsession with appearance. Inspired by the aesthetic look of Emerald laser technology and the results it can produce without any side effects, Markus embarked on his art project to showcase high-tech medical equipment using fashion models and celebrities in a futuristic clinical setting.
In the words of the artist…
"We live in a society obsessed with looking great and feeling good. From expensive makeup to trendy clothing, there are many ways people try to achieve their desired image. Social media has become one of the biggest influences on our culture today.
"The research for this project has been insightful thus far, and I am excited to explore this issue further through my photography.
"It promises to be an exciting journey into our society's obsession with perfectionism through physical means.”
The photography evolved with the addition of the Founder and CEO of Kernel, Bryan Johnson.
Kernel developed hardware that measures electrical and hemodynamic signals produced by the brain. In 2020, the company demonstrated helmet-like devices that can see and record brain activity. The technology is used to assist in studying and treating Alzheimer's disease, concussions and strokes. The machines also help people with mental health challenges access new therapies.
Bryan is taking on one of the biggest challenges known to humankind: aging. In 2021, he announced his latest project, Project Blueprint, which aims to slow down and reverse the aging process. This project involves measuring and analysing his body in great detail to identify the root causes of aging and develop interventions to combat them. Bryan believes that with advances in technology and science, it's possible to extend the human lifespan and even overcome aging entirely. Although his project is still in the early stages, it has already generated a lot of excitement and interest in the scientific community.
With Bryan's track record of innovation and determination, it's clear that he is not one to shy away from bold challenges. The world will be watching eagerly to see what Project Blueprint may reveal about the mysteries of aging and what breakthroughs it may bring.
"The Angel Factory, Bryan Johnson II", Markus Klinko, 2023
About Markus Klinko
Markus Klinko is an award-winning international fashion / celebrity photographer and director who has worked with many of today's most iconic film, music, and fashion stars.
Markus has photographed the likes of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslet, Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell and Iman.
His editorial clients include Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar, and Interview magazine. Brands such as Lancôme, L'Oréal Paris, Nike, Hugo Boss, Anna Sui, Pepsi, Skyy Vodka, and Remy Martin have hired Markus to create advertising campaigns.
Born in Switzerland of French, Italian, Jewish, and Hungarian descent, Markus spent his early years training to become a classical harp soloist. He studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris.
Later, Markus signed an exclusive recording contract with EMI Classics and a management contract with Columbia Artists Management. He received the Grand Prix de Disque for his recording of French harp music with the orchestra of the Paris Opera Bastille. Markus also performed in recitals and as a featured soloist with symphony orchestras around the world. He was also regularly featured in Vogue Italia, Vanity Fair, GQ, The New Yor Times, Madame Figaro, Stereo Review and Ongaku no Tomo.
After a hand injury, Markus became a fashion photographer and retired from his international concert and recording career.
Isabella Blow discovered Markus' work at the London Sunday Times and commissioned cover stories from the emerging photographer. Around the same time, Ingrid Sischy at Interview magazine hired Markus for various shoots. Iman and David Bowie followed, giving the up and coming photographer a chance to photograph them for their respective book (I am Iman) and album covers (Heathen).
From there, he created some of the most iconic album covers of our time, including Beyonce's "Dangerously in Love" and Mariah Carey's "The Emancipation of Mimi".
Award-winning international fashion / celebrity photographer and director, Markus Klinko