Elliot James Kennedy, a London-based photographer and director, has crafted a unique artistic style that seamlessly blends photography with painting and collage. His journey began during the pandemic when, with more time on his hands, he explored a long-held interest in painting and collage, infusing these techniques into his photography. This fusion of mediums has become his signature, characterized by painterly color strokes, cut-out materials, and layered visuals.
Kennedy's approach to photography is distinct, starting with a photograph and then layering and manipulating it through painting, cutting, and drawing. This hands-on process allows him to create intricate and visually captivating images. He describes his style as a blend of his painting days, where he could make things with his hands, and the commercial viability of photography.
His work has gained recognition, leading to commissions from renowned brands such as Carhartt, Isabel Marant, Nike, Gucci, Kenzo, Hugo Boss, and Apple. One of his notable projects is the Carhartt portrait, where he transforms a simple portrait into a visual puzzle with suspended arms, stacked books, and red tape. For Little Simz's Nylon magazine cover, he created a torn poster effect with limbs and lettering crashing into each other in bold primary colors.
Kennedy's favorite project was the Speedo campaign, which allowed him creative freedom. He drew inspiration from old Olympic posters and artwork, infusing a retro, old-school sporting feel with contemporary athletes and primary colors. His collaboration with Nigo for the Design Museum is another standout piece, featuring the fashion legend on a Panton chair with chopped and repositioned forearms, cut-out sections, and primary tones, mirroring the museum's Brutalist, Bauhaus architecture.
Kennedy's process involves deliberate framing and leaving space for manipulation, ensuring that each image is a unique creation. He aims to create an exhibition of personal work, showcasing his artistic evolution and the fusion of photography and collage. His approach challenges the traditional boundaries of photography, offering a fresh and innovative perspective in the art world.
