Aerial Images Showcase the Beats and Designs of Ballet: An Interview
Title: The Captivating Blend of Ballet and Aerial Photography in Brad Walls’ “Passé” Series
In an age where art consistently strives to extend its limits, photographer Brad Walls has adeptly merged the grace of ballet with the cutting-edge viewpoint of aerial photography in his newest series, “Passé.” Drawing influence not from conventional photography, but from the groundbreaking technology of drones, Walls embarked on his aerial photography journey in 2016. Enchanted by the distinct perspective drones provide, Walls uncovered an untapped canvas. This elevation delivers a unique perspective that transforms everyday scenes into enchanting arrangements of patterns, shapes, and rhythms.
The “Passé” series, highlighting ballerinas against striking red backgrounds, exemplifies Walls’ characteristic method of image creation. The carefully arranged shots portray dancers as sculptural figures within intricate compositions, blurring the distinction between performance and artistry. Images in the series depict a range of forms, from configurations resembling a spine to those inspired by the golden ratio, crafting a picturesque dance of art and geometry.
Walls perceives ballet and aerial photography as natural companions, both characterized by precision and form. Through aerial photography, he reconceives ballet dancers not simply as performers, but as essential components of larger visual stories. The interplay of precision and abstraction in the “Passé” series encourages viewers to experience ballet from an entirely novel viewpoint.
The vibrant red tones prevalent in the “Passé” series carry profound symbolic significance—evoking connections with power, passion, and performance. During a pop-up exhibition in Manhattan, the immersive space infused with red accentuated the contemporary urgency and vitality of the art, transforming the environment into a magnificent spectacle.
For Walls, the creation of “Passé” was a collaborative effort requiring detailed choreography, complex design, and a unified vision among nearly 60 ballerinas and various collaborators. The endeavor resulted in a blend of logistics and live performance, captured through his drone’s lens.
The “Passé” series transcends mere photographic accomplishment; it stands as a testament to Walls’ developing style and his exploration of art through aerial photography. It emphasizes his intrigue with symmetry, negative space, and the reinterpretation of classical art forms through contemporary viewpoints. Walls aspires for the series to motivate viewers to rethink their perceptions of ballet—uniting its rich heritage with modern abstraction and design.
Brad Walls’ creations serve as a powerful reminder of the enchantment that unfolds when technology intersects with art, and how a shift in perspective, both literally and metaphorically, can unveil an entirely new manner of experiencing the world around us.