Inside the Studio: Asael Dror
In the world of contemporary art, few artists have journeyed as uniquely as Asael Dror. With a background as a software architect and entrepreneur, Asael's transition to becoming a full-time artist has been nothing short of inspiring. His work delves deep into societal perceptions of beauty, celebrating diversity through his stunning photography. Asael’s approach, shaped by both his technological expertise and artistic vision, aims to challenge norms and bring forth a more inclusive understanding of beauty. In this interview, we explore his journey, his projects like The Beauty of Tiffany and Lines and Curves, and his thoughts on art, technology, and the future of his work.
Read on to learn more in an exclusive interview with Asael Dror :
1. Can you tell us about your transition from software architect and entrepreneur to full-time artist? What motivated this change?
Art has always been an important part of my life ever since I was a young child. When I was 11 years old, I started in photography and learned to use a dark room. At 13, I got my first “real” SLR camera, an Olympus OM-1, which I loved. However, as work in technology and family life became a major part of my life, making art moved to the background. At some point, I decided to restart creating art. I took photography and art classes at the local community college and began to exhibit my work. It was great, but it was a hobby—a serious one, but still a hobby.
As I went through a divorce and my kids grew up, I found more time to dedicate to my art, resulting in more exhibitions and a few publications. However, I still had my day job, and working as a software architect and entrepreneur is more than a full-time job. I enjoyed my work in tech, but I also wanted to elevate my art. I knew that to do so, art needed to be my main and only focus.
Fortunately, the last tech company I co-founded was acquired by Microsoft. While many of my friends and coworkers wanted me to start another company, I knew it was time to switch day jobs—from tech to being a full-time artist—and I have never looked back. You can't do everything in life; I’ve done the tech world, and now it’s time to focus on my other passion—art.
2. Your project, "The Beauty of Tiffany," challenges societal perceptions of beauty. Can you share more about the inspiration behind this project?
A major goal of my art is to change, or at least put a dent in, the way the marketing world wants us to view beauty. Tiffany Geigel, a disabled dancer, is the inspiration for this project. As soon as I reviewed the images from our test shoot together, I knew that I wanted us to do an entire project together. She is undoubtedly very beautiful, yet very different—exactly what I want the world to see.
3. How does your background in technology influence your approach to art and photography? How do you balance the technical and creative aspects of your work as an artist?
My strong background in technology is a double-edged sword. The electronic tools I use in my art—software, computer graphics, color theory, etc.—are the same tools I used and developed for decades while working in technology. This makes it easy and tempting to focus on the technology. More so, we live in a world where there is tremendous marketing pressure to focus on and spend money on technology. We’re told we need the best camera, lens, computer, software, or printer to create great art.
The reality is that if you focus too much on the technology, you create a demonstration of technology, lacking any real meaning except to show off the tools—that’s not fine art. Technology is a tool; it’s not fine art! My background makes it easy for me to master these tools, but I do not focus on them—I focus on creating the art piece.
4. "Lines and Curves" is a celebration of the human figure’s diversity and beauty. How do you approach capturing this theme in your work?
I am fortunate to have grown up in an academic family, where both my parents were university professors and never expressed prejudice or discrimination (at least not to my memory). Consequently, I am somewhat “blind” to things like skin color, body shape, or disabilities—I see beauty in all its forms, and I want to portray that in my art. I want to help others overcome the influence of marketing, which tells us what beauty is and that there’s only one ideal of it.
“Lines and Curves” portrays that beauty through the geometry of lines and curves in the human body.
5. How has your work been received by different audiences, and what impact do you hope it has?
Reception has been polarized. Many people thought the work was beautiful and unique, appreciating the importance of portraying beauty in a different way. This reaction is what I was aiming for, so I’m very happy with it, and it motivates me to continue exposing the work to a larger audience.
On the other hand, I’ve seen the ugly side of discrimination against people who are different, especially those with disabilities. It was shocking to hear some of the horrible things people say about those who are different, which made it difficult to gain exposure for the work. Although the images have been featured in places like The Washington Post and the de Young Museum, getting them into major galleries has been challenging. Unfortunately, “different” is not a favorable word in the commercial art world.
6. Can you discuss the significance of showcasing your work at prestigious venues like the de Young Museum in San Francisco?
It was a great honor to be featured at the de Young. I’m very grateful for those opportunities, as they gave my work a chance to be seen by a large audience. You can’t have an impact without exposure. Beyond that, showcasing my work at a prestigious venue provided a “stamp of approval” that it is fine-art worthy, especially as my work is “different” and nudity remains a controversial issue in society.
7. What projects or themes are you looking forward to exploring in the future?
I don’t like to discuss work before it’s released, but my goal is always to create original art that invokes feelings and thoughts in the viewers. “Lines and Curves” is an evolving project, and there’s more to come from it. I’m also experimenting with other art mediums. While photography is my base medium, I am not restricted to it. As an artist, I feel free to use whatever tools, techniques, and mediums best help me realize my vision.
Asael Dror’s work is a powerful exploration of beauty, diversity, and artistic expression, challenging societal standards and pushing boundaries. His ability to balance technological mastery with raw artistic creativity has resulted in thought-provoking works that resonate with audiences. Asael’s journey from the tech world to the art world is an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to follow one’s passion, and his art serves as a celebration of humanity in all its forms. We look forward to seeing what lies ahead for this remarkable artist.
You can learn more about Asael Dro and his work via these links:
Website: https://www.asaeldror.com/about
Instagram: @asaeldror
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