DAVID DREBIN
Photographer and artist David Drebin is based in New York City. Peter Dench talks to him about his new photo book of voyeuristic scenes that evoke emotions, psychological perspectives and insightful reflections into the viewers’ own experiences
‘ I thought you might be interested in star photographer David Drebin’s new beautifully illustrated book, Flirting With Danger,’ said the teNeues PR. I don’t come across many photographers pitched as a star and requested an interview. I call David while he is on a European tour with shows and events in Sweden, Spain, France and Germany. When he answers, he is doing what he has consistently done for decades. ‘I’m just taking a picture of someone in the gallery, give me one second. I’m in a gallery, it’s very interesting, this really cool girl is working. She’s so cool! You’ve got pretty vibes. Thank you. I’m going to come back and see you later. What’s your name again?’
The previous week, I’d submerged into the world according to Drebin, watching interviews, scrolling web pages, flicking through books. ‘I want you to tell me with your fresh eyes what your impression is of my entire story?’ he asks.
‘I feel, looking at your work, it’s decades of seeing condensed into individual and very layered photographs. When I look at one of your pictures I’m whipped back to classic album covers and Athena posters of the 1980s, iconic advertising campaigns of the 1990s right through to where we are now. It’s a kaleidoscope, a whirlwind, it’s highly enjoyable,’ I admit.
‘You know what’s interesting, I love art and I love making photographs but my real dream is to be a public speaker. I know that sounds really crazy, this is like my waiter job now [Drebin used to work as a waiter] and I’m basically a failed commercial photographer who became a brand accidentally and through my books and through my limited-edition art pieces I have an accidental business that utilises my entire skill set, and I have a sort of Buddhist meets Confucius way of operating, which is I wrap myself up in the morning and I wind myself down at night and I’m just at the zeitgeist of my career. I just wanted to share that with you before you ask me questions.’
Then I start asking questions.
Flirting With Danger is the latest in a long collaboration with publisher teNeues Verlag GmbH (it started with The Morning After in 2010; there are now nine books). The 144-page, 61-image hardback book begins with an adulatory foreword by managing director Stephanie
Penck: ‘It comes as no surprise that Drebin is a collectors’ favourite. He is a master of the art of pleasing the eye but without being plain. His works are brilliantly staged. In their unique color palette and composition, they can always be distinguished as Drebin’s,’ she writes.
