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“We breathe” is a commentary on the state of the fashion industry exploring how models are stripped of their opinions, sexuality, and somewhat their souls. Walking like zombies with blank expressions on the runway then blooming into a full glamour pose on command. Only then to retire backstage to stand perfectly still and bare in plain sight for a change of hair, makeup, and wardrobe. Cue the next loop…

On this exploratory journey, I decided to shoot this in one of the fashion capitals of the world, NYC. Collaborating with @IamAgustinaTV felt natural after meeting her in a Twitter space where we shared similar views.

However, meeting photographer and master printer ModernVintagePhotos (@bigpigbig) on Twitter space is what took this project to the finish line. We instantly connected and I fell in love with his work and platinum printing process. The Universe conspired to deliver me to his doorstep in Bangkok where we created a 16×20” 1/1 platinum print for each piece.

“But Waleed, these are animated pieces! Why the hell make a static print?!”

Well, if you download the Artivive app (iOS | Google play) and point your phone camera at the print the pieces come alive in augmented reality. As if the paper itself is moving. It’s pretty trippy… (see video below)


“Doooooppe. But umm… what the hell is a platinum print?”

Discovered in 1830, platinum prints are the most durable of all photographic processes. The platinum group metals are very stable against chemical reactions that might degrade the print—even more stable than gold. It is estimated that a platinum image, properly made, can last thousands of years.

Please watch the video above for a documentation of the printing process and/or click HERE for a deep dive into platinum printing.

Note: the video’s about 20 mins so grab a coffee or something.

We Breathe #6 Platinum Print by Waleed Shah

We Breathe #7 Platinum Print by Waleed Shah

We Breathe #5 Platinum Print by Waleed Shah

We Breathe #2 Platinum Print by Waleed Shah

We Breathe #3 Platinum Print by Waleed Shah

We Breathe #4 Platinum Print by Waleed Shah


“I heard about NFTs… what’s the deal with that?”

NFT is short for “Non-Fungible Token”. But let’s not get caught up in the jargon. The technology essentially serves two purposes.

  1. The token is the actual animation in brilliant 4k. It can be displayed on digital screens or in online “Metaverse” galleries
  2. More importantly, it serves as a digital provenance or proof of authenticity. The information is embedded and cannot be changed by anyone and includes

    • Title of the piece
    • Artist name and “wallet address”
    • Description
    • Date “minted” or created
    • Transaction history (date, price, wallet address of owners)
    • 15% royalties to the artist (Waleed Shah) on each subsequent sale. This happens automatically

Thank you for taking the time to read all this. I hope you enjoyed the work.
Please take some time to enjoy the high-res versions in my metaverse gallery below

Disclaimer
Each museum-quality 16×20” platinum print is a 1/1. However, the artist reserves the right to print smaller/larger editions using other printing techniques.