Stephan Lupino (Ivan Lepen)
"Željko Mavrović" (1997)
black and white photography, paper
75 x 50 cm
MG-6912
Stephan Lupino (1952), real name Ivan Lepen, is a Croatian photographer known for his distinctive style and international career. Lupino is a master of erotic photography and a versatile artist whose photos have been published in the world's leading fashion and art magazines such as Vogue, Zoom, King, Max, Photo, and Playboy. His work includes sculpture, painting, directing, advertising, music videos, and art films. He has published several books on his photographs, and his sculptures have been exhibited worldwide. He is recognizable for his avantgarde and innovative art, which he calls "lupinism."
The photo shows Croatian boxer Željko Mavrović in a moment that reflects his strength, determination, and intensity. The black-and-white photo emphasizes the contrast between light and shadow, highlighting the boxer's muscular build and facial expression. Lupino, although he most often photographed women, here shows skill in depicting the male subject with equal attention to detail and emotion. It shows Mavrović as a sensitive man who faces internal and external struggles. With this photograph, Lupino successfully conveys the multi-layered nature of male identity, breaking stereotypes about masculinity and emphasizing the humanity and vulnerability of even seemingly steadfast figures such as Mavrović.
Text: Marta Radman, curator of the National Museum of Modern Art © National Museum of Modern Art, Zagreb
Translated by: Marta Radman
Photo: Stephan Lupino