About Matthew Willman
Born in South Africa in 1979, Matthew Willman still lives there while traveling worldwide for his photography. “My work reflects an innate desire to understand how we relate to the real and imaginary worlds we inhabit, especially the role body language plays in expressing emotions and telling stories, ” he says.
Willman specializes in creating rare images.
As Annie Lennox rightly said “Matthew is passionately connected to the complexity of his existence…. he connects with his passion…the rest just follows”
Willman served as commissioned photographer for 10 years to Nelson Mandela, building a remarkable library of images detailing the incredible life and times of Nelson Mandela. He holds the last private portrait works of Mandela regarded as the most intimate photographic collection in the world. As a documenter his vast experience has built a magnificient body of rare works that also include private commissions with Barack Obama, Annie Lennox, The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu to name a few.
To meet Willman is to meet the world! Now for the first time Willman is lighting a bale fire for collectors and those who see opportunity in owning and trading in unique NFT photographic fine art work.
Over time Willman will reveal his collections, creating an individual voice and strong narrative of each image. Only the most celebrated fine art photographs are being released.
The human being inspires Matthew profoundly in all its shapes and conditions. Exploring body language compels him to travel the world, working to date in 48 countries, photographing people and places and communities to deepen issues like who we are and how we shape ourselves.
Following is an exclusive interview with Matthew Willman for Hue&Eye.
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Hello Matthew. When or how have you understood you wanted to become an artist?
I have been into art since I was 12 years old. I grew out of being a ballet dancer into photography. Both disciplines have the human-being and their body language in common indeed.
And how would you like people to engage with your art?
My main interest is to explore the human condition in all its forms. So I’d say that I want to see the human story and reactions my creations may generate.
Can you briefly say something about your creative technique and tell us what drives you to make art?
Photography is how I communicate, how I touch and feel others. I use the image to share stories of who we are and what we shape ourselves to be.
Which artist primarily inspires your work? And is there something else, outside visual arts, that keeps you motivated?
Herb Ritts, Ruven Afanador, Patrick Demarchelier to name a few. Outside of photography, dance and history encourage depth and motivate my research.
As a digital artist, do you feel you’ve been waiting for something like NFTs for a long time?
YES, no question about it. It’s the first time I can make my work eventually unique, one of one. It’s my ultimate goal.
And how do you see the NFT world will benefit your professional career?
The NFT Art marketplaces are the first platforms where I can combine a powerful narrative with creativity and iconic or historical images.
Spread the word! Do you have anything exciting on the horizon or something special you wish to share?
I am currently launching The Willman Collection of 1/1 NFTs and stories, from Barack Obama to Nelson Mandela, Ballet to nudes.
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Visit The Willman Collection to know more about the NFT project.
To go to Matthew Willman’s website click here or follow him on Instagram.