Juampi Bonino – Argentina
0 Behold one of Juampi Bonino’s pictures, and it is clear he was born to be a photographer the way people are born to be poets or playwrights. As Photography Director of the über hip Regia magazine, Bonino’s photographs capture Buenos Aires’s seldom-explored youth culture. His pictures are not only aesthetically remarkable, they have an overwhelmingly raw quality that is missing in today’s over-processed art world. His understanding of the subjects comes through in each photograph — he is part of their world, and he welcomes the viewer to take part. Bonino may be young, but he has the capability to become a world-renowned, household name. But for now, he likes to skateboard and listen to the Rolling Stones. He’s not growing up yet.
BANGSTYLE: Your photographs look like they are from another era. How do you achieve this quality?
Juampi Bonino: I experiment with different kinds of films, Fuji being my favorite. I also grew fond of experimenting with the lens on set to create different atmospheres.
BANGSTYLE: Tell us about Regia Magazine where you are the Photography Director. What does your job entail?
Juampi Bonino: Regia started out as a friend’s project to have fun with. As time went by, it became more of a job in which I’m in charge of selecting the photographic material that’s published. The final decisions regarding all of the content of the magazine are up to Rodrigo (Editor in Chief), Facundo (Assistant Editor in Chief), and me.
Click here to read the issue #14 of Regia Magazine
BANGSTYLE: What was the inspiration behind your “Under the Covers” series?
Juampi Bonino: Simply seeing two people under covers with an overwhelming morning light.
BANGSTYLE: We love your band and festival photography. What kind of music influences your work?
Juampi Bonino: I love music, it’s such a broad question. I wouldn’t be able to point out a single band, genre, or even a decade.
BANGSTYLE: Lacoste and Fila are two huge brand names that you have worked with. Is the artistic process different when you are commissioned to photograph?
Juampi Bonino: The difference when working with brands is that I have to respond to certain standards that aren’t necessarily the ones I would choose. Having that in mind, I still always try to do stuff true to my taste and not to fall in the typical “fashion photography.”
BANGSTYLE: You often photograph young, beautiful, semi-naked women. What fascinates you about the youth?
Juampi Bonino: Being young myself, I wouldn’t say I’m fascinated by youth specifically, I just portray the environment that is closest to me. Luckily I have friends who are generally “young and pretty” [laughs].
BANGSTYLE: Besides photography, what do you enjoy?
Juampi Bonino: Skateboarding, playing my guitar, and screaming, Uruguayan dairy products like Conaprole, dancing to Brazilian “Forró” with Josefina, typical hipster-trendy-artsy stuff such as philosophy, the good ole’ films, and the Rolling Stones.
BANGSTYLE: What is the art scene like in Argentina?
Juampi Bonino: I’d say it’s like everywhere else in the world, mainly boring but you can always find some hidden talents.
BANGSTYLE: What is one motto that you live and work by?
Juampi Bonino: Live slow, die old.
BANGSTYLE: Do you have any exhibitions or campaigns coming up?
Juampi Bonino: It’s a surprise.
