Although Netflix uploaded the video back in April, we’ve only now discovered the Platon episode of its ‘Abstract: The Art of Design’ miniseries is now available to view for free on YouTube.
The 2017 docuseries consists of two series and features a total of 14 45-minute episodes that cover the work of some of the best artists across the globe in their respective fields, from architecture and automotive design to stage design and typography. For its ‘Photography’ episode, Netflix features Platon Antoniou, more commonly known by his mononym Platon, a renowned portrait photographer whose portfolio features some of the most prominent and powerful figures the world over.
While the other episodes require a Netflix subscription, the Platon episode is now free to view on YouTube. Throughout the 45-minute episode, we get an inside look at the man behind the camera and follow along as he captures a portrait of Colin Powell, former National Security Advisor and retired four-star general.
It’s a fantastic watch from beginning to end. If you have a Netflix subscription, we also suggest watching some of the other episodes in the series.
This video is an amazing piece of unbearable bullsh.t . Pathetic or funny, hard to say. A pure product of advertising word, so full of it's own importance when it's just about selling socks or people, either way.
Boy, this guy is really full of his own greatness. He gets to know his subjects as only he can -- they reveal to him their otherwise cloaked uniqueness -- and isn't it interesting that the result is that all of his portraits look pretty much like one another. (Maybe it's the look of trying to fend off his oily, ingratiating attitude?)
Wow...don't get all the anger against the guy. And it takes a pretty big ego to insult one of the greatest portrait photographers of our age. And no matter how big you think his ego is, he has the accomplishments and recognition to back it up. Do you?
Thoughts R Us, You're employing a rather typical demagogical trick – ‘who are you, show me your photos’. But I really don’t have to. I judge as a spectator, not as a creator.
Ironies abound: "Throughts R Us", inaptly named, promulgates criteria that would suppress critical thinking, and the Great Panton who "gets under the facade that people put up" (PDL, above) makes everyone look the same: their portraits proclaim, "Photographed by Paton" -- and are most emphatically advertisements for his brand. Hey, he's got a successful shtick, I'll give that to him -- he's raking it in.
@ArtMar: I am only commenting on the comment...and noting that the critics here of Platon have far less of his accomplishments...and then one can be the judge of who has the greater credibility. Sure any spectator can comment...but the question is whether anyone should take them seriously. In short, the spectator...the commenter...is also open to be judged by others.
As for his pictures all looking the same....it's known as the artist having a distinctive style. Ask any well established pro and they will tell you that their career took off when they developed a style that they are known for. Platon has a style, just like Ansel Adams had a style. Would you say that all Ansel Adams' photos look the same?
"...and then one can be the judge of who has the greater credibility. Sure any spectator can comment...but the question is whether anyone should take them seriously.»
Sorry but no, you’re not right. Institutional critique and curators don’t have to be content creators at all. That is, in general, appealing to the talent of a critic is the totally wrong message.
Dmitry: I am not talking about institutional critics...I am simply referring to commenters on this and other types of forums. My point is that obviously they have the right to be critical of anyone, but that in putting their comments out there then others have the right to critique them.
Of course this also applies with institutional critics as well. But the overall point is that just as the artist is open to criticism, so are the critics, whether professional or otherwise.
Amazing portraits, against norms like "35mm lens, is not suitable for portraits" or against trends driven by marketing departments like "You have to own a 4000usd f1.2 lens to achieve the perfect bokeh" Photography, is not about this stuff, at least in the portfolio of Platon. He's dealing with truth, the only aspect a real artist should deal with. As Joseph Beuys (German artist) once said "Art is the science of truth".
Wow. Took the breath out of me. Such inspiring powerful images. Thanks DPreview for giving attention to this remarkable artist captured so well in the video.
Liked it a lot. Love how he connects with his subjects. One thing that gets me though, and I know most high end photographers do it, is having all these assistants doing so much of the work. I understand they are helping to create his vision. But in some ways it seems a bit unfair that the person doing the editing doesn't get more credit.
LakeSuperior1, I think the importance depends on the shoot.
Imagine the shoot with Putin. Would you feel the same pressure if you had to organise and be in charge of everything as you'd feel if you had to retouch the image or load cameras with film? I think it's much harder to get the image, the connection, the look, the emotion, than it is to retouch it after.
they are not any different than any other skilled worker having a job at any other brand-centered company. And trust me, Platon, with all his down-to-earth humility, is still a brand.
How do I know? I've been working for/with an international photographic artist for twenty years. I don't do it for the recognition, I do it because I'm very good at it, I like what I do and I get paid. It's an awesome job, but it's just that.
Besides, how many technicians, engineers, designers, etc are credited on your photographic equipment?
I have just watched the Platon episode and I would like to state that this is an excellent documentary for many, many reasons; not just the photography and design aspects. Recently I have scoured the internet for videos of my favourite photographers and have immensely enjoyed the journey. I would have to say that until viewing this video, I had not heard of Platon, but now I feel I know a little of him and what drives him. Kudos to Platon, his team and Netflix for making this available.
Yeah it's a great series. Did see it over a year ago but it's worth spending the time to see and especially see how he interact with Colin Powell Nd his clients.
Yes, it's fascinating that he spend so much time getting to know his subject and considers himself more of an expert at forging connection than a photographer.
All great portrait photographers do this: they make a connection with the subject and get the true personality to shine through. One of the best quotes: "Before a shoot I'm not thinking how to take a good picture, but what can I learn from this person."
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