Russh Magazine

Erik Madigan Heck creates the kind of imagery that elevates ‘fashion’ photography and film to the realm of art. Haunting, unearthly and nostalgic, his films are like time worn photographs gently emerging from one another – faded and pale – a patchy memory of a shadowy past. His most recent film series, Seven Film Works, exhibited in New York over fashion week included collaborations with designers like AF Vandevorst and Ann Demeulemeester. His latest creation – a dreamy whisper of a thing titled The End – was made as a gift for the latter, a woman whose work he has long admired. Erik took a moment to chat to RUSSH about music, art, and those quiet moments when fashion disappears.
 
Your series of short films explore and interpret the intimate relationship between music and fashion. In what ways do you think music influences fashion and vice versa?
I think music is the ultimate vehicle for expressing art and emotions, it has a profound effect on everything – I’m sure especially fashion. I suppose it depends on who is creating the fashion however.

What was the inspiration for this series of films?
The quiet moments where fashion disappears, and all that is left is the music and faded faces of those around you.
 
What prompted the initial collaboration with Ann Demeulemeester?
I loved what she has created for many many years, so I reached out to her as I felt I had something to offer her years ago.
 
How did she influence and inspire the work?
I know her world. Her horses, light, poetry. I knew what I wanted, and knew how to bring it into her world, she set the conditions.
 
You’re a photographer as well as a film maker – what’s your preferred medium and to what extent does the medium effect and influence your approach?
I love both equally. They're very different, and I use them to express different emotions and feelings.
 
What are you working on next?
A giant scroll for Mary Katrantzou.

READ MORE FROM RUSSH ON MARY KATRANTZOU HERE