(Click here to view a larger version of "Last Supper").
Nes, 39, is a Tel Aviv-based photographer who was born and raised in Kiryat Gat, a development town on Israel's "periphery." He got his first big break in 1998, when his works were included in an exhibit of contemporary Israeli art at the Jewish Museum in New York. New York's subway riders were a captive audience for the museum's advertisements for the exhibition, which featured Nes's striking photograph of a muscular Israeli soldier posing outside a tent.
International dealers took notice, and soon after that he had solo exhibits at prominent galleries in New York (the Jack Shainman Gallery in Chelsea) and Paris.
In 2003, Nes was commissioned by Vogues Hommes International to represent Israel for a fashion photo spread that featured photographers from all over the Middle East. The Vogue photos were quite controversial - and not only because of their perceived political message (which Nes thinks was somewhat misunderstood); what's fascinating on a non-political level, though, is that Nes dressed ordinary people (not professional models) in very expensive couture clothes - like a Valentino leather jacket and suits by Paul Smith - and the result is that the clothes look like something you'd pick up in a flea market. What does this say about the belief that expensive clothes make us look better? You can see the Vogue photos here.
But while he was becoming increasingly well known, Nes was not making a lot of money. His photographs cost a lot to make: they are very carefully staged, require months of advance planning and a large staff - and the printing process is very expensive, too. Not only do I love his photographs, but I also really like Nes himself. He's a very sweet, modest guy with a great sense of humour and a caring, considerate attitude to his fellow human beings. So I hope that this Sotheby's auction is the beginning of the financial success he deserves.
Here is a list of articles about Nes. You might be particularly interested in this one. ;)
