A Lifelong Passion Born in a Darkroom
Arek, born Arkadiusz Gepchard in 1968 in Poland, discovered his passion for photography at an early age. Now based in France, he remains dedicated to his craft, continuously pushing creative boundaries. His journey began in 1980, a time when every photograph demanded precision and patience. With only 36 frames per roll of film, each shot had to be carefully considered. Lacking access to a professional studio, he transformed his family’s bathroom into a makeshift darkroom, developing prints in the bathtub while his household slept. The process was far from easy, but it taught him discipline and an appreciation for detail—values he still upholds today, even in the digital era.
Unlike many contemporary photographers who rely on instant results, Arek remains deeply committed to preparation. Conceptualizing a shoot can take days or even weeks, as he meticulously constructs his own props from repurposed materials. His most time-intensive project was a reimagining of Darth Vader, where he built the iconic mask and chest plate from scratch using cardboard, electrical connectors, and discarded cables. The final image was not just a photograph but a testament to his dedication to craftsmanship and vision.
Despite embracing various technological advancements, Arek continues to adhere to the principles of film photography. His belief in respecting the process and focusing on details shapes his work, ensuring that each image he creates carries intentionality and depth. Whether working with physical props or digital enhancements, his philosophy remains unchanged: a great photograph is not about quantity but about achieving a singular, impactful shot.
Arek: A Restless Spirit in the World of Photography
Throughout his career, Arek has explored many genres of photography—family portraits, landscapes, commercial projects, weddings, and magazine editorials. However, over time, he found himself drawn to a more personal and imaginative form of expression. The turning point came in 1999 when his first exhibition was held at the Gaude Mater Sacred Music Festival in Częstochowa, Poland. From that moment on, he decided to focus on photography that reflected his own artistic voice rather than catering to external expectations. His decision paid off, leading him to participate in 44 exhibitions and competitions across Europe and the United States.
He describes himself as having a “restless soul,” always searching for new ways to challenge his creativity. This constant evolution has led him to develop a unique style that blends humor with surrealism. If an image makes even one viewer smile, he considers it a success. However, his artistic range is not confined to comedy alone. His “Hands” project explores minimalism, presenting human emotions and existence through stark simplicity. This duality—balancing lightheartedness with introspective themes—defines much of his work.
Travel is another significant theme in Arek’s photography, but he approaches it with an unconventional twist. Instead of traditional travel photography, he infuses a sense of whimsy into his images. This concept gave birth to his “Gulliver’s Travels” project, where he playfully reimagines himself in various locations, adding an element of fantasy to real-world settings. Whether exploring humor, minimalism, or adventure, Arek’s work always carries a distinct personal imprint, reflecting his ever-curious mind.
The Studio as a Stage for Visual Storytelling
In recent years, Arek has primarily focused on studio photography, working within a compact space measuring just 2.80m by 2.50m. Rather than seeing this limitation as a drawback, he embraces it, carefully crafting concepts that align with the available room and equipment. Within these walls, he experiments with lighting, props, and theatrical makeup to bring his imaginative ideas to life. His preference for strong contrasts allows him to accentuate both the comedic and dramatic elements of his subjects, transforming ordinary portraits into striking visual narratives.
His approach to character creation is particularly immersive. When preparing for a self-portrait series, he often undergoes physical transformations to embody different personas. For a Wolverine-inspired shoot, he grew his sideburns for two weeks, dyed his hair, and, once the session was complete, shaved his head to immediately create another character for a separate project titled “Gulag.” This willingness to fully commit to an idea highlights his dedication to storytelling through photography.
Arek’s meticulous nature extends to every aspect of his shoots. He always has a clear goal in mind, ensuring that he remains focused even when faced with challenges. If an obstacle arises, he finds a way around it, whether by adjusting the lighting, altering the composition, or rethinking a prop. His recent studies in theatrical makeup have further expanded his creative arsenal, allowing him to enhance the expressive power of his portraits. By blending photography, costume design, and stagecraft, he turns his studio into a theater where each image tells a compelling story.
Arek: A Photographer Without Boundaries
Unlike many artists who cite specific influences, Arek considers himself an individualist, firmly committed to developing his own style. While he acknowledges the impact of surrealist painters, particularly Salvador Dalí, he approaches their work as inspiration rather than direct guidance. His photograph “Pancakes,” a playful homage to Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory, showcases this balance—paying tribute to the iconic melting clocks while injecting his own brand of humor. Similarly, his reinterpretation of Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp, in which he played all nine characters himself, merges classic artistry with comedic absurdity.
Among his most meaningful works is Travel to Japan, a project that required immense patience. He envisioned the shot for months, waiting for the cherry tree outside his window to bloom at the perfect moment. Once the conditions aligned, he captured the image, presenting his interpretation of Japan through a single, carefully composed frame. This dedication to timing and composition underscores his belief that photography is as much about anticipation as it is about execution.
Arek’s creative process is unpredictable—some days, ideas flood his mind, while other times, inspiration eludes him. Currently, he is developing three major projects: Sam na Sam (One-on-One), a self-portrait series where he morphs into various characters; Dłonie (Hands), a minimalistic exploration of human behavior; and Gulliver’s Travels, a humorous take on his adventures. He has also ventured into filmmaking, producing short films that oscillate between comedy and deep philosophical themes. Regardless of the medium, his artistic philosophy remains unchanged: embrace the unconventional, challenge expectations, and above all, never stop creating.
