HOARD MAGAZINE October 2005
INTERVIEW photographer
Magic Zyks 
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HOARD: Talk about your artistic background.
MAGIC: In my youth I tried several techniques like oil painting, airbrush and watercolor. My father was an artist who specialized in oil paintings (animals and landscapes). Later on, I had my first experiences with photography and computer based drawings.
After school, I gained experience as a make-up artist and adorner, before I decided to work as a graphic designer and creative director in an advertising agency. In 2002, I brought photography to mind, and I started taking pictures of erotic scenarios.
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HOARD: What inspires the subject and themes of your photography? What inspires you in general?
MAGIC: In general, my whole life inspires me in a certain way, but I am especially interested in situations that have to do with power and helplessness. Both are feelings that come along in different situations in our life. In my work, these feelings are always combined with sexual needs.
HOARD: Describe your process for working with models.
MAGIC: At the beginning of all, there is the idea. After that, I try to find a model that fits my idea. Sometimes I sketch scribbles to find the right poses. After that, I talk with my model about my photo idea. It is important for me that the model understands what I want to show in the photo. The model is the carrier that transports the message of my scenario, so the model is an important part of a successful photo. My wife supports my work by searching for the right locations and decoration. She is responsible for make-up and the styling of the model. During the shoot we try to create an atmosphere that enables the model to slip into her role.
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HOARD: What is beauty?
MAGIC: A difficult question! Nobody can answer that in general, because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For me, it's everything that gives me a positive feeling!
HOARD: What do you fear most?
MAGIC: Death, illness, calamity. All the things that surely come, one day!
HOARD: Describe the perfect evening out on the town.
MAGIC: If I do that, I will never, ever, have the chance to experience this rare moment of perfect life. Some things are better left unspoken. :-)
HOARD: How closely linked is your personal life connected to the themes and stories depicted in your art? How does your art, reflect your life?
MAGIC: All my photos show a part of me, my life, and my thoughts. Some people think my work reveals the life of my models - if so, it's by accident, but it is not intended. I show things that affect only myself.
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HOARD: Do you believe in magic!?
MAGIC: I do not believe in spells or magic wands, but I believe in special "magic" moments or situations. Henri Cartier Bresson described it as, "sublime moment", moments that show something that is not within reach of our ordinary intellect. [end]
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Magic Zyks is based in Germany. His website is: www.magiczyks.de
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photography from the HOARD archives:
Jean Van Cleemput ... Nicola Ranaldi ... Dave Jackson
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