In Focus: Michele Turriani

Michele Turriani is an international photographer and director based in London where he works from his studio on board a decommissioned Lightship. He is one of our stable gallery artists.

 Michele Turriani's studio - Lightship 93 - Moored at Royal Victoria Dock

After graduating in graphic design and art direction in Italy, he assisted artists Jeff Koons and Rob Scholte, working in Germany, Belgium and Japan.

Drawn to the British photography and design scene, he moved to London in 1992 to work in the music industry where he was influenced by its innovative approach to visual communication.

He specialised in shooting record sleeve imagery for seminal labels such as 4AD, Real World and Virgin Records. He caught the eye of top brands Levi’s, Honda, Pirelli, Samsung, Heineken, Nike and Diesel, working for them on international fashion, editorial and advertising assignments.

Turriani is also known for his celebrity portraiture, shooting stars such as Martin Scorcese, Cate Blanchett and Ronaldo.

'Claudia Schiffer' and 'Helen Mirren' by Michele Turriani 

Turriani is currently a sessional lecturer at Ravensbourne University, London. He specialises in innovative approaches for creative industries as his practice crosses the boundary into fine art. He is particularly known for his large scale still lives, one of which was selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 2022.

'Fire Bucket' by Michele Turriani, Stochastic pigment ink on Baryta fibre based paper, 123 x 93cm

Turriani's still lives are created in the tradition of 17th century Flemish oil paintings. He uses soft, diffused light to dramatically highlight the vibrant colour of opulent flower arrangements whilst preserving a nuanced tonal range against a brooding background. These sensuous images explore the natural state of flux of the English garden. When Turriani adds industrial objects it reminds us of the tension between the natural and the industrial. His 'Memento Exstingui' series features the skulls of endangered species and is a reminder of our relationship with the natural world. 

Michele Turriani's 'Dama Gazelle' and 'London Brick', archival pigment ink prints on paper

We always hold a number of Turriani's framed works at the gallery - framed prices range from £375 to £3800

'Canonballs' and 'Deadeye & Blocks' archival pigment ink prints on paper