Szilveszter Makó is a Milan-based photographer whose enigmatic photographs are filled with layers of mystery and introspection. His images often feature subjects standing inside curious block-like backdrops or posed against two-dimensional fields of color and texture, creating a seamless blend of storytelling and intentionality.
Drawing inspiration from art history, Makó references Surrealism and grotesque art in his work. Through his use of chiaroscuro effects and exploration of light, as well as contrasting earth tones, he evokes a dreamlike sense of unfettered imagination reminiscent of 20th-century Surrealist paintings. Interestingly, Makó was once a painter, and he has hinted that his photographic style may be a subconscious nod to his earlier artistic endeavors.
One of the striking aspects of Makó’s photography is the mystery that permeates his images. Tactile elements like grain and halation add a filmic quality to his work, hinting at analog processes that create a sense of depth and atmosphere without relying on digital manipulation. While the photographer keeps his post-production techniques under wraps, he alludes to an unorthodox process that pays homage to the history of analog photography.
Makó’s distinctive style is also evident in his mise en scène, which includes handmade props crafted from recycled materials, carefully constructed theatrical environments, and bold, sculptural garments that feature elongated lines and exaggerated silhouettes. Collaborating with renowned designers like Schapiarelli, Maison Margiela, and Prada, as well as commercial brands like Zara and Adidas, Makó creates visually captivating scenes that blur the line between fashion and art.
The recurring motif of a box in Makó’s images serves as both a restriction and a liberation for his subjects. Whether it’s a confined space, checkered floors, or house-shaped headpieces, the box centralizes the focus while amplifying the energy within the frame. Despite the geometric structure of the box, Makó embraces spontaneity during his shoots, believing that control can make images feel cold and calculated.
Despite working with a roster of celebrities like Elle Fanning, Bad Bunny, and Cate Blanchett, Makó’s approach to photography remains egalitarian. He sees the studio as a collaborative space where everyone, regardless of fame, works together as equals. His ability to transform even the most recognizable faces into something entirely his own speaks to his unique vision and artistic sensibility.
To see more of Szilveszter Makó’s captivating work, you can visit his Instagram profile. His images have been featured in publications like Vogue, The Cut, Acne Paper, Vanity Fair, and GQ, showcasing his talent for blending fashion, art, and storytelling in a mesmerizing way.
