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Growing up a part of the culturally rich Washington Heights area of New York City, celebrated art and fashion photographer Jose Pagan uses many of those influences to bring us true art through what he expresses to be an “Un-Boxed Mind.” With ingenuity and bold steps, Jose continues to produce some of the most extravagant and thought proving images seen in magazines throughout the world, taking the industry by storm with his eclectic style and vision.
Jose attended State University at Brockport and City College, however, his drive for the surreal and mind bending brought him in another direction entirely. At a young age, Jose’s dexterity was realized when he would take apart new Christmas presents and rebuild them into toys he would be satisfied in playing with. Building dioramas without any formal training and stunning family members with his creations, Jose is a creator by blood... It is his birthright. Where innate perception mixed with the purest sense of art supersedes the formal education experience, allowing no structured limits on what “art” is, in turn freely allowing Jose to delve into any creative process without abandon.
As an adult, Jose realized he could use photography and film to channel his artistic impulses towards creation. At first Jose Pagan started with short films submitting them to festivals, however, he soon realized he needed more control of his visions. Photography would prove to be the nexus for his talents. Over three years ago he began the “Blacklight Photo Experiment.” A unique project utilizing UV (black lights) to capture nude subjects in surreal environments, The “Blacklight Photo Experiment” is a ground breaking approach to
an age old novelty. Jose’s nude art project has transcended the boundaries of art and fantasy and brought back a style of artistry of which has not been seen for many years now.
Many in the fashion industry have noticed Jose Pagan’s refreshing artistic eye and soon after unveiling his masterful projects, Jose has been hired by businesses and organizations to translate their visions. Jose has been handpicked as contributing photographer for magazines such as Heart & Soul, Designer Original, Pose, Music Insider, Souletter and many other countless publications. Jose also was tapped as Underwraps Agency’s lead photographer. An internationally recognized organization billed as Americas’ first Muslim modeling agency. He also undertook the assignment for Hunks4Hope a non-profit male eye-candy calendar for the survivors of domestic violence. He recently has been named a new board member of a 501c(3) Art organization named The X Collective. Jose has paid another visit to his film making prowess by filming short fashion films for the likes of designer Adrian Alicea and Amirah Creations. He has directed works that elevated and drew attention to the designer’s work.
To simply label Jose as a photographer is a grave understatement. There are very few artists in the world that can build, design and execute bold and complex ideas on vast mediums with the same amount of passion and impact. A camera does not bind Jose Pagan’s talents; he is a one of a kind free spirit, abstract creator utilizing whatever medium may be at his fingertips to bring about inspired work through an all-encompassing artistic sphere.
JOSE PAGAN
PHOTOGRAPHER and ARTIST
BIOGRAPHY