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Welcome to 15 Questions With… a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators, and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Rankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director. He co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1990, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the fashion and culture publication Hunger. As a photographer and a director, he has photographed everyone from Madonna to Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum to the Spice Girls.
Next week will see the opening of On Board With Rankin, a new exhibition of his photographs at Battersea Power Station. The show comprises 42 images that see him turn his lens on the unexpected world of modern cruising, capturing actor Layton Williams, celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, Blur's Alex James, and other guests on board a state-of-the-art cruise ship. The exhibition is on view from 17 September to 28.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
Wowzers, great question. It’s funny, because my family were very working class, so art did not figure in my life until I was about 13 or 14, then it began with record covers. In a way, it’s been a bit of a superpower as it’s meant I’ve been able to literally choose my own taste. I’ve not really been that influenced when growing up. This has meant I’ve been able to have quite a diverse set of things I love.
But I guess to be direct, the first work of art I remember is probably a painting by Lowry called ‘Coming from the Mill’ or something like that. It would have been directly influenced by the song “Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs” by Brian and Michael, possibly it was on a jigsaw. That’s my earliest memory, as I remember my dad really liked that song, and I seem to remember a bit of an obsession with his art at that time! So his work is definitely the first works of art I really looked at. Oh, and I remember being very taken by Giles Cartoons when I was a kid. I still love a political cartoonist.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
Boredom, I try to make sure I’m bored, as that’s when I get ideas. I love reading a lot, especially cultural critique, and I do love a documentary film that can be incredibly inspirational, and recently I have enjoyed sparring with LLMs. I also love other photographers' work, I’m a massive fan boy, and I think I used jealousy in the past to push me to do better work, but these days I try to push myself with more healthy things. But quite frankly, when I’m bored, that’s when stuff happens. That’s when all of the other things collide.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
You never really take a break, do you? That’s what’s amazing about it. It’s like a love affair. You just keep thinking about it, you dream about it. You obsess about it. It’s strange, isn't it, even when things aren’t working, I still love it. It still keeps me sane, it helps me make sense of the world. I remember when lockdown happened, after one week, I was like, ‘Right, what have I wanted to master that I can focus on?’. I’d been trying to take photos of flowers for so, so long and just could never find a way in, and then I’m on my own in a room, with a load of flowers and within a week I’m shooting 6 to 7 hours a day. It took me about three weeks, but eventually I found it. As I started to talk to the flowers, I realised I’m taking portraits of them, and now the images are working. By the end of lockdown, I could take a flower portrait in one frame!
But then I guess walking the dogs counts as a break?
4. Who is your favourite artist?
There are too many to choose just one, but I have to say I really do love Bernini, and I love Hirst. Both for the same reason really. When you stand in front of a sculpture by either artist, they make you feel and think at the same time. It’s such a moment!
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Trick question, I don't think an artist can commit a crime apart from maybe dialling it in and becoming mediocre. I read yesterday a great quote by Sally Mann, which I have to say I agreed with. When talking about herself, she said, “... If you have a reputation and you've done well and you're successful, people are more likely to forgive mediocre work because you're famous.”
So, I guess the biggest crime I could personally commit is to stop asking questions, especially of myself. That’s why I keep trying to be hungry and inquisitive, thankfully it’s a massive part of my personality.
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
The Galleria Borghese (inside Villa Borghese), to see the Bernini’s. I went to see the Caravaggios they have, as I love Caravaggio so much, but the Bernini’s blew me away! If you haven't seen them, they are a must-see!
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
I don't know, as I’m not really in it. I’m on the periphery. I feel like I’m on the periphery of a lot of things, fashion, art, music. Which kind of suits my contrarian nature.
One of the things I do hate about some people in the art world is how flaky they can be. There is so much fluff, and I’m much more of a doer than a talker! Plus, I think people love to have opinions, but so few of them feel thought through. If you scratch the surface, a lot of people are just reading off the same hymn sheet! I hate groupthink, cults and religion.
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8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My own, because I think it’s important to really think about things and care about what you think. These judgements we make about work should be thought through and personally scrutinised. Also, my wife’s because she is the best critic and sounding board, and she is always absolutely honest with me. I think brutal honesty with both yourself and from someone you trust makes you really interrogate your work.
9. What trend in art makes you roll your eyes?
All of them. I can’t stand trends, same reason I don’t like religions or groupthink. It’s just bandwagoning. One in fashion photography really made me laugh: for a while, everyone was doing these bizarre things with chairs, standing on them, draping themselves across them, anything except sitting normally. It got so ridiculous I ended up making a comedic mockumentary about it. I called it La Chaise Ironique.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
According to Spotify, Yung Blud, ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’- I have been listening to that since January, on heavy rotation. Ben Kidson, ‘Shiver’, and Ren, ‘Fire’.
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
Blue and black as my motifs. Black because of Johnny Cash and a little bit to do with the movie 9½ Weeks, where the character only wears the same thing and it’s always black, as it takes the decision out of the day, I loved that idea. And blue because it’s so emotional and endlessly expressive! I love that it means so many things and makes you feel so many different feelings. If I could paint, I think I’d paint predominantly in blue.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Four, my dogs. The objects I’d just leave, the dogs are my family, and a fire would panic them!
13. What can you tell us about your upcoming show, On Board With Rankin?
On Board With Rankin captures the freedom, anticipation, and individuality of a journey aboard Arvia with P&O Cruises. The exhibition showcases not only guests, crew, and personalities like Layton Williams, Alex James, and Marco Pierre White, but also the moments that make life at sea so dynamic. It’s about seeing cruising in a fresh, vibrant light.
14. Which piece in the show took the longest to perfect and why?
Because it’s a portrait documentary, it’s never been about a ‘perfect’ image to me. What mattered most was conveying people’s personalities, the essence of being on board a P&O Cruise and the energy.
15. What impression do you hope people get after seeing your show?
That they’ve seen how much fun cruising can be through my eyes! I want people to feel the atmosphere on board a P&O Cruise: the excitement, spontaneity, and the little moments that bring each voyage to life.
On Board With Rankin will be on view at Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall B, Ground Floor, from 17 September.
Welcome to 15 Questions With… a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators, and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Rankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director. He co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1990, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the fashion and culture publication Hunger. As a photographer and a director, he has photographed everyone from Madonna to Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum to the Spice Girls.
Next week will see the opening of On Board With Rankin, a new exhibition of his photographs at Battersea Power Station. The show comprises 42 images that see him turn his lens on the unexpected world of modern cruising, capturing actor Layton Williams, celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, Blur's Alex James, and other guests on board a state-of-the-art cruise ship. The exhibition is on view from 17 September to 28.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
Wowzers, great question. It’s funny, because my family were very working class, so art did not figure in my life until I was about 13 or 14, then it began with record covers. In a way, it’s been a bit of a superpower as it’s meant I’ve been able to literally choose my own taste. I’ve not really been that influenced when growing up. This has meant I’ve been able to have quite a diverse set of things I love.
But I guess to be direct, the first work of art I remember is probably a painting by Lowry called ‘Coming from the Mill’ or something like that. It would have been directly influenced by the song “Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs” by Brian and Michael, possibly it was on a jigsaw. That’s my earliest memory, as I remember my dad really liked that song, and I seem to remember a bit of an obsession with his art at that time! So his work is definitely the first works of art I really looked at. Oh, and I remember being very taken by Giles Cartoons when I was a kid. I still love a political cartoonist.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
Boredom, I try to make sure I’m bored, as that’s when I get ideas. I love reading a lot, especially cultural critique, and I do love a documentary film that can be incredibly inspirational, and recently I have enjoyed sparring with LLMs. I also love other photographers' work, I’m a massive fan boy, and I think I used jealousy in the past to push me to do better work, but these days I try to push myself with more healthy things. But quite frankly, when I’m bored, that’s when stuff happens. That’s when all of the other things collide.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
You never really take a break, do you? That’s what’s amazing about it. It’s like a love affair. You just keep thinking about it, you dream about it. You obsess about it. It’s strange, isn't it, even when things aren’t working, I still love it. It still keeps me sane, it helps me make sense of the world. I remember when lockdown happened, after one week, I was like, ‘Right, what have I wanted to master that I can focus on?’. I’d been trying to take photos of flowers for so, so long and just could never find a way in, and then I’m on my own in a room, with a load of flowers and within a week I’m shooting 6 to 7 hours a day. It took me about three weeks, but eventually I found it. As I started to talk to the flowers, I realised I’m taking portraits of them, and now the images are working. By the end of lockdown, I could take a flower portrait in one frame!
But then I guess walking the dogs counts as a break?
4. Who is your favourite artist?
There are too many to choose just one, but I have to say I really do love Bernini, and I love Hirst. Both for the same reason really. When you stand in front of a sculpture by either artist, they make you feel and think at the same time. It’s such a moment!
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Trick question, I don't think an artist can commit a crime apart from maybe dialling it in and becoming mediocre. I read yesterday a great quote by Sally Mann, which I have to say I agreed with. When talking about herself, she said, “... If you have a reputation and you've done well and you're successful, people are more likely to forgive mediocre work because you're famous.”
So, I guess the biggest crime I could personally commit is to stop asking questions, especially of myself. That’s why I keep trying to be hungry and inquisitive, thankfully it’s a massive part of my personality.
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
The Galleria Borghese (inside Villa Borghese), to see the Bernini’s. I went to see the Caravaggios they have, as I love Caravaggio so much, but the Bernini’s blew me away! If you haven't seen them, they are a must-see!
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
I don't know, as I’m not really in it. I’m on the periphery. I feel like I’m on the periphery of a lot of things, fashion, art, music. Which kind of suits my contrarian nature.
One of the things I do hate about some people in the art world is how flaky they can be. There is so much fluff, and I’m much more of a doer than a talker! Plus, I think people love to have opinions, but so few of them feel thought through. If you scratch the surface, a lot of people are just reading off the same hymn sheet! I hate groupthink, cults and religion.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My own, because I think it’s important to really think about things and care about what you think. These judgements we make about work should be thought through and personally scrutinised. Also, my wife’s because she is the best critic and sounding board, and she is always absolutely honest with me. I think brutal honesty with both yourself and from someone you trust makes you really interrogate your work.
9. What trend in art makes you roll your eyes?
All of them. I can’t stand trends, same reason I don’t like religions or groupthink. It’s just bandwagoning. One in fashion photography really made me laugh: for a while, everyone was doing these bizarre things with chairs, standing on them, draping themselves across them, anything except sitting normally. It got so ridiculous I ended up making a comedic mockumentary about it. I called it La Chaise Ironique.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
According to Spotify, Yung Blud, ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’- I have been listening to that since January, on heavy rotation. Ben Kidson, ‘Shiver’, and Ren, ‘Fire’.
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
Blue and black as my motifs. Black because of Johnny Cash and a little bit to do with the movie 9½ Weeks, where the character only wears the same thing and it’s always black, as it takes the decision out of the day, I loved that idea. And blue because it’s so emotional and endlessly expressive! I love that it means so many things and makes you feel so many different feelings. If I could paint, I think I’d paint predominantly in blue.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Four, my dogs. The objects I’d just leave, the dogs are my family, and a fire would panic them!
13. What can you tell us about your upcoming show, On Board With Rankin?
On Board With Rankin captures the freedom, anticipation, and individuality of a journey aboard Arvia with P&O Cruises. The exhibition showcases not only guests, crew, and personalities like Layton Williams, Alex James, and Marco Pierre White, but also the moments that make life at sea so dynamic. It’s about seeing cruising in a fresh, vibrant light.
14. Which piece in the show took the longest to perfect and why?
Because it’s a portrait documentary, it’s never been about a ‘perfect’ image to me. What mattered most was conveying people’s personalities, the essence of being on board a P&O Cruise and the energy.
15. What impression do you hope people get after seeing your show?
That they’ve seen how much fun cruising can be through my eyes! I want people to feel the atmosphere on board a P&O Cruise: the excitement, spontaneity, and the little moments that bring each voyage to life.
On Board With Rankin will be on view at Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall B, Ground Floor, from 17 September.
Welcome to 15 Questions With… a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators, and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Rankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director. He co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1990, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the fashion and culture publication Hunger. As a photographer and a director, he has photographed everyone from Madonna to Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum to the Spice Girls.
Next week will see the opening of On Board With Rankin, a new exhibition of his photographs at Battersea Power Station. The show comprises 42 images that see him turn his lens on the unexpected world of modern cruising, capturing actor Layton Williams, celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, Blur's Alex James, and other guests on board a state-of-the-art cruise ship. The exhibition is on view from 17 September to 28.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
Wowzers, great question. It’s funny, because my family were very working class, so art did not figure in my life until I was about 13 or 14, then it began with record covers. In a way, it’s been a bit of a superpower as it’s meant I’ve been able to literally choose my own taste. I’ve not really been that influenced when growing up. This has meant I’ve been able to have quite a diverse set of things I love.
But I guess to be direct, the first work of art I remember is probably a painting by Lowry called ‘Coming from the Mill’ or something like that. It would have been directly influenced by the song “Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs” by Brian and Michael, possibly it was on a jigsaw. That’s my earliest memory, as I remember my dad really liked that song, and I seem to remember a bit of an obsession with his art at that time! So his work is definitely the first works of art I really looked at. Oh, and I remember being very taken by Giles Cartoons when I was a kid. I still love a political cartoonist.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
Boredom, I try to make sure I’m bored, as that’s when I get ideas. I love reading a lot, especially cultural critique, and I do love a documentary film that can be incredibly inspirational, and recently I have enjoyed sparring with LLMs. I also love other photographers' work, I’m a massive fan boy, and I think I used jealousy in the past to push me to do better work, but these days I try to push myself with more healthy things. But quite frankly, when I’m bored, that’s when stuff happens. That’s when all of the other things collide.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
You never really take a break, do you? That’s what’s amazing about it. It’s like a love affair. You just keep thinking about it, you dream about it. You obsess about it. It’s strange, isn't it, even when things aren’t working, I still love it. It still keeps me sane, it helps me make sense of the world. I remember when lockdown happened, after one week, I was like, ‘Right, what have I wanted to master that I can focus on?’. I’d been trying to take photos of flowers for so, so long and just could never find a way in, and then I’m on my own in a room, with a load of flowers and within a week I’m shooting 6 to 7 hours a day. It took me about three weeks, but eventually I found it. As I started to talk to the flowers, I realised I’m taking portraits of them, and now the images are working. By the end of lockdown, I could take a flower portrait in one frame!
But then I guess walking the dogs counts as a break?
4. Who is your favourite artist?
There are too many to choose just one, but I have to say I really do love Bernini, and I love Hirst. Both for the same reason really. When you stand in front of a sculpture by either artist, they make you feel and think at the same time. It’s such a moment!
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Trick question, I don't think an artist can commit a crime apart from maybe dialling it in and becoming mediocre. I read yesterday a great quote by Sally Mann, which I have to say I agreed with. When talking about herself, she said, “... If you have a reputation and you've done well and you're successful, people are more likely to forgive mediocre work because you're famous.”
So, I guess the biggest crime I could personally commit is to stop asking questions, especially of myself. That’s why I keep trying to be hungry and inquisitive, thankfully it’s a massive part of my personality.
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
The Galleria Borghese (inside Villa Borghese), to see the Bernini’s. I went to see the Caravaggios they have, as I love Caravaggio so much, but the Bernini’s blew me away! If you haven't seen them, they are a must-see!
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
I don't know, as I’m not really in it. I’m on the periphery. I feel like I’m on the periphery of a lot of things, fashion, art, music. Which kind of suits my contrarian nature.
One of the things I do hate about some people in the art world is how flaky they can be. There is so much fluff, and I’m much more of a doer than a talker! Plus, I think people love to have opinions, but so few of them feel thought through. If you scratch the surface, a lot of people are just reading off the same hymn sheet! I hate groupthink, cults and religion.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My own, because I think it’s important to really think about things and care about what you think. These judgements we make about work should be thought through and personally scrutinised. Also, my wife’s because she is the best critic and sounding board, and she is always absolutely honest with me. I think brutal honesty with both yourself and from someone you trust makes you really interrogate your work.
9. What trend in art makes you roll your eyes?
All of them. I can’t stand trends, same reason I don’t like religions or groupthink. It’s just bandwagoning. One in fashion photography really made me laugh: for a while, everyone was doing these bizarre things with chairs, standing on them, draping themselves across them, anything except sitting normally. It got so ridiculous I ended up making a comedic mockumentary about it. I called it La Chaise Ironique.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
According to Spotify, Yung Blud, ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’- I have been listening to that since January, on heavy rotation. Ben Kidson, ‘Shiver’, and Ren, ‘Fire’.
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
Blue and black as my motifs. Black because of Johnny Cash and a little bit to do with the movie 9½ Weeks, where the character only wears the same thing and it’s always black, as it takes the decision out of the day, I loved that idea. And blue because it’s so emotional and endlessly expressive! I love that it means so many things and makes you feel so many different feelings. If I could paint, I think I’d paint predominantly in blue.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Four, my dogs. The objects I’d just leave, the dogs are my family, and a fire would panic them!
13. What can you tell us about your upcoming show, On Board With Rankin?
On Board With Rankin captures the freedom, anticipation, and individuality of a journey aboard Arvia with P&O Cruises. The exhibition showcases not only guests, crew, and personalities like Layton Williams, Alex James, and Marco Pierre White, but also the moments that make life at sea so dynamic. It’s about seeing cruising in a fresh, vibrant light.
14. Which piece in the show took the longest to perfect and why?
Because it’s a portrait documentary, it’s never been about a ‘perfect’ image to me. What mattered most was conveying people’s personalities, the essence of being on board a P&O Cruise and the energy.
15. What impression do you hope people get after seeing your show?
That they’ve seen how much fun cruising can be through my eyes! I want people to feel the atmosphere on board a P&O Cruise: the excitement, spontaneity, and the little moments that bring each voyage to life.
On Board With Rankin will be on view at Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall B, Ground Floor, from 17 September.
Welcome to 15 Questions With… a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators, and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Rankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director. He co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1990, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the fashion and culture publication Hunger. As a photographer and a director, he has photographed everyone from Madonna to Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum to the Spice Girls.
Next week will see the opening of On Board With Rankin, a new exhibition of his photographs at Battersea Power Station. The show comprises 42 images that see him turn his lens on the unexpected world of modern cruising, capturing actor Layton Williams, celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, Blur's Alex James, and other guests on board a state-of-the-art cruise ship. The exhibition is on view from 17 September to 28.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
Wowzers, great question. It’s funny, because my family were very working class, so art did not figure in my life until I was about 13 or 14, then it began with record covers. In a way, it’s been a bit of a superpower as it’s meant I’ve been able to literally choose my own taste. I’ve not really been that influenced when growing up. This has meant I’ve been able to have quite a diverse set of things I love.
But I guess to be direct, the first work of art I remember is probably a painting by Lowry called ‘Coming from the Mill’ or something like that. It would have been directly influenced by the song “Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs” by Brian and Michael, possibly it was on a jigsaw. That’s my earliest memory, as I remember my dad really liked that song, and I seem to remember a bit of an obsession with his art at that time! So his work is definitely the first works of art I really looked at. Oh, and I remember being very taken by Giles Cartoons when I was a kid. I still love a political cartoonist.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
Boredom, I try to make sure I’m bored, as that’s when I get ideas. I love reading a lot, especially cultural critique, and I do love a documentary film that can be incredibly inspirational, and recently I have enjoyed sparring with LLMs. I also love other photographers' work, I’m a massive fan boy, and I think I used jealousy in the past to push me to do better work, but these days I try to push myself with more healthy things. But quite frankly, when I’m bored, that’s when stuff happens. That’s when all of the other things collide.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
You never really take a break, do you? That’s what’s amazing about it. It’s like a love affair. You just keep thinking about it, you dream about it. You obsess about it. It’s strange, isn't it, even when things aren’t working, I still love it. It still keeps me sane, it helps me make sense of the world. I remember when lockdown happened, after one week, I was like, ‘Right, what have I wanted to master that I can focus on?’. I’d been trying to take photos of flowers for so, so long and just could never find a way in, and then I’m on my own in a room, with a load of flowers and within a week I’m shooting 6 to 7 hours a day. It took me about three weeks, but eventually I found it. As I started to talk to the flowers, I realised I’m taking portraits of them, and now the images are working. By the end of lockdown, I could take a flower portrait in one frame!
But then I guess walking the dogs counts as a break?
4. Who is your favourite artist?
There are too many to choose just one, but I have to say I really do love Bernini, and I love Hirst. Both for the same reason really. When you stand in front of a sculpture by either artist, they make you feel and think at the same time. It’s such a moment!
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Trick question, I don't think an artist can commit a crime apart from maybe dialling it in and becoming mediocre. I read yesterday a great quote by Sally Mann, which I have to say I agreed with. When talking about herself, she said, “... If you have a reputation and you've done well and you're successful, people are more likely to forgive mediocre work because you're famous.”
So, I guess the biggest crime I could personally commit is to stop asking questions, especially of myself. That’s why I keep trying to be hungry and inquisitive, thankfully it’s a massive part of my personality.
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
The Galleria Borghese (inside Villa Borghese), to see the Bernini’s. I went to see the Caravaggios they have, as I love Caravaggio so much, but the Bernini’s blew me away! If you haven't seen them, they are a must-see!
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
I don't know, as I’m not really in it. I’m on the periphery. I feel like I’m on the periphery of a lot of things, fashion, art, music. Which kind of suits my contrarian nature.
One of the things I do hate about some people in the art world is how flaky they can be. There is so much fluff, and I’m much more of a doer than a talker! Plus, I think people love to have opinions, but so few of them feel thought through. If you scratch the surface, a lot of people are just reading off the same hymn sheet! I hate groupthink, cults and religion.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My own, because I think it’s important to really think about things and care about what you think. These judgements we make about work should be thought through and personally scrutinised. Also, my wife’s because she is the best critic and sounding board, and she is always absolutely honest with me. I think brutal honesty with both yourself and from someone you trust makes you really interrogate your work.
9. What trend in art makes you roll your eyes?
All of them. I can’t stand trends, same reason I don’t like religions or groupthink. It’s just bandwagoning. One in fashion photography really made me laugh: for a while, everyone was doing these bizarre things with chairs, standing on them, draping themselves across them, anything except sitting normally. It got so ridiculous I ended up making a comedic mockumentary about it. I called it La Chaise Ironique.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
According to Spotify, Yung Blud, ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’- I have been listening to that since January, on heavy rotation. Ben Kidson, ‘Shiver’, and Ren, ‘Fire’.
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
Blue and black as my motifs. Black because of Johnny Cash and a little bit to do with the movie 9½ Weeks, where the character only wears the same thing and it’s always black, as it takes the decision out of the day, I loved that idea. And blue because it’s so emotional and endlessly expressive! I love that it means so many things and makes you feel so many different feelings. If I could paint, I think I’d paint predominantly in blue.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Four, my dogs. The objects I’d just leave, the dogs are my family, and a fire would panic them!
13. What can you tell us about your upcoming show, On Board With Rankin?
On Board With Rankin captures the freedom, anticipation, and individuality of a journey aboard Arvia with P&O Cruises. The exhibition showcases not only guests, crew, and personalities like Layton Williams, Alex James, and Marco Pierre White, but also the moments that make life at sea so dynamic. It’s about seeing cruising in a fresh, vibrant light.
14. Which piece in the show took the longest to perfect and why?
Because it’s a portrait documentary, it’s never been about a ‘perfect’ image to me. What mattered most was conveying people’s personalities, the essence of being on board a P&O Cruise and the energy.
15. What impression do you hope people get after seeing your show?
That they’ve seen how much fun cruising can be through my eyes! I want people to feel the atmosphere on board a P&O Cruise: the excitement, spontaneity, and the little moments that bring each voyage to life.
On Board With Rankin will be on view at Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall B, Ground Floor, from 17 September.
Welcome to 15 Questions With… a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators, and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Rankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director. He co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1990, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the fashion and culture publication Hunger. As a photographer and a director, he has photographed everyone from Madonna to Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum to the Spice Girls.
Next week will see the opening of On Board With Rankin, a new exhibition of his photographs at Battersea Power Station. The show comprises 42 images that see him turn his lens on the unexpected world of modern cruising, capturing actor Layton Williams, celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, Blur's Alex James, and other guests on board a state-of-the-art cruise ship. The exhibition is on view from 17 September to 28.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
Wowzers, great question. It’s funny, because my family were very working class, so art did not figure in my life until I was about 13 or 14, then it began with record covers. In a way, it’s been a bit of a superpower as it’s meant I’ve been able to literally choose my own taste. I’ve not really been that influenced when growing up. This has meant I’ve been able to have quite a diverse set of things I love.
But I guess to be direct, the first work of art I remember is probably a painting by Lowry called ‘Coming from the Mill’ or something like that. It would have been directly influenced by the song “Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs” by Brian and Michael, possibly it was on a jigsaw. That’s my earliest memory, as I remember my dad really liked that song, and I seem to remember a bit of an obsession with his art at that time! So his work is definitely the first works of art I really looked at. Oh, and I remember being very taken by Giles Cartoons when I was a kid. I still love a political cartoonist.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
Boredom, I try to make sure I’m bored, as that’s when I get ideas. I love reading a lot, especially cultural critique, and I do love a documentary film that can be incredibly inspirational, and recently I have enjoyed sparring with LLMs. I also love other photographers' work, I’m a massive fan boy, and I think I used jealousy in the past to push me to do better work, but these days I try to push myself with more healthy things. But quite frankly, when I’m bored, that’s when stuff happens. That’s when all of the other things collide.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
You never really take a break, do you? That’s what’s amazing about it. It’s like a love affair. You just keep thinking about it, you dream about it. You obsess about it. It’s strange, isn't it, even when things aren’t working, I still love it. It still keeps me sane, it helps me make sense of the world. I remember when lockdown happened, after one week, I was like, ‘Right, what have I wanted to master that I can focus on?’. I’d been trying to take photos of flowers for so, so long and just could never find a way in, and then I’m on my own in a room, with a load of flowers and within a week I’m shooting 6 to 7 hours a day. It took me about three weeks, but eventually I found it. As I started to talk to the flowers, I realised I’m taking portraits of them, and now the images are working. By the end of lockdown, I could take a flower portrait in one frame!
But then I guess walking the dogs counts as a break?
4. Who is your favourite artist?
There are too many to choose just one, but I have to say I really do love Bernini, and I love Hirst. Both for the same reason really. When you stand in front of a sculpture by either artist, they make you feel and think at the same time. It’s such a moment!
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Trick question, I don't think an artist can commit a crime apart from maybe dialling it in and becoming mediocre. I read yesterday a great quote by Sally Mann, which I have to say I agreed with. When talking about herself, she said, “... If you have a reputation and you've done well and you're successful, people are more likely to forgive mediocre work because you're famous.”
So, I guess the biggest crime I could personally commit is to stop asking questions, especially of myself. That’s why I keep trying to be hungry and inquisitive, thankfully it’s a massive part of my personality.
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
The Galleria Borghese (inside Villa Borghese), to see the Bernini’s. I went to see the Caravaggios they have, as I love Caravaggio so much, but the Bernini’s blew me away! If you haven't seen them, they are a must-see!
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
I don't know, as I’m not really in it. I’m on the periphery. I feel like I’m on the periphery of a lot of things, fashion, art, music. Which kind of suits my contrarian nature.
One of the things I do hate about some people in the art world is how flaky they can be. There is so much fluff, and I’m much more of a doer than a talker! Plus, I think people love to have opinions, but so few of them feel thought through. If you scratch the surface, a lot of people are just reading off the same hymn sheet! I hate groupthink, cults and religion.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My own, because I think it’s important to really think about things and care about what you think. These judgements we make about work should be thought through and personally scrutinised. Also, my wife’s because she is the best critic and sounding board, and she is always absolutely honest with me. I think brutal honesty with both yourself and from someone you trust makes you really interrogate your work.
9. What trend in art makes you roll your eyes?
All of them. I can’t stand trends, same reason I don’t like religions or groupthink. It’s just bandwagoning. One in fashion photography really made me laugh: for a while, everyone was doing these bizarre things with chairs, standing on them, draping themselves across them, anything except sitting normally. It got so ridiculous I ended up making a comedic mockumentary about it. I called it La Chaise Ironique.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
According to Spotify, Yung Blud, ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’- I have been listening to that since January, on heavy rotation. Ben Kidson, ‘Shiver’, and Ren, ‘Fire’.
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
Blue and black as my motifs. Black because of Johnny Cash and a little bit to do with the movie 9½ Weeks, where the character only wears the same thing and it’s always black, as it takes the decision out of the day, I loved that idea. And blue because it’s so emotional and endlessly expressive! I love that it means so many things and makes you feel so many different feelings. If I could paint, I think I’d paint predominantly in blue.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Four, my dogs. The objects I’d just leave, the dogs are my family, and a fire would panic them!
13. What can you tell us about your upcoming show, On Board With Rankin?
On Board With Rankin captures the freedom, anticipation, and individuality of a journey aboard Arvia with P&O Cruises. The exhibition showcases not only guests, crew, and personalities like Layton Williams, Alex James, and Marco Pierre White, but also the moments that make life at sea so dynamic. It’s about seeing cruising in a fresh, vibrant light.
14. Which piece in the show took the longest to perfect and why?
Because it’s a portrait documentary, it’s never been about a ‘perfect’ image to me. What mattered most was conveying people’s personalities, the essence of being on board a P&O Cruise and the energy.
15. What impression do you hope people get after seeing your show?
That they’ve seen how much fun cruising can be through my eyes! I want people to feel the atmosphere on board a P&O Cruise: the excitement, spontaneity, and the little moments that bring each voyage to life.
On Board With Rankin will be on view at Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall B, Ground Floor, from 17 September.
Welcome to 15 Questions With… a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators, and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Rankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director. He co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1990, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the fashion and culture publication Hunger. As a photographer and a director, he has photographed everyone from Madonna to Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum to the Spice Girls.
Next week will see the opening of On Board With Rankin, a new exhibition of his photographs at Battersea Power Station. The show comprises 42 images that see him turn his lens on the unexpected world of modern cruising, capturing actor Layton Williams, celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, Blur's Alex James, and other guests on board a state-of-the-art cruise ship. The exhibition is on view from 17 September to 28.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
Wowzers, great question. It’s funny, because my family were very working class, so art did not figure in my life until I was about 13 or 14, then it began with record covers. In a way, it’s been a bit of a superpower as it’s meant I’ve been able to literally choose my own taste. I’ve not really been that influenced when growing up. This has meant I’ve been able to have quite a diverse set of things I love.
But I guess to be direct, the first work of art I remember is probably a painting by Lowry called ‘Coming from the Mill’ or something like that. It would have been directly influenced by the song “Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs” by Brian and Michael, possibly it was on a jigsaw. That’s my earliest memory, as I remember my dad really liked that song, and I seem to remember a bit of an obsession with his art at that time! So his work is definitely the first works of art I really looked at. Oh, and I remember being very taken by Giles Cartoons when I was a kid. I still love a political cartoonist.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
Boredom, I try to make sure I’m bored, as that’s when I get ideas. I love reading a lot, especially cultural critique, and I do love a documentary film that can be incredibly inspirational, and recently I have enjoyed sparring with LLMs. I also love other photographers' work, I’m a massive fan boy, and I think I used jealousy in the past to push me to do better work, but these days I try to push myself with more healthy things. But quite frankly, when I’m bored, that’s when stuff happens. That’s when all of the other things collide.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
You never really take a break, do you? That’s what’s amazing about it. It’s like a love affair. You just keep thinking about it, you dream about it. You obsess about it. It’s strange, isn't it, even when things aren’t working, I still love it. It still keeps me sane, it helps me make sense of the world. I remember when lockdown happened, after one week, I was like, ‘Right, what have I wanted to master that I can focus on?’. I’d been trying to take photos of flowers for so, so long and just could never find a way in, and then I’m on my own in a room, with a load of flowers and within a week I’m shooting 6 to 7 hours a day. It took me about three weeks, but eventually I found it. As I started to talk to the flowers, I realised I’m taking portraits of them, and now the images are working. By the end of lockdown, I could take a flower portrait in one frame!
But then I guess walking the dogs counts as a break?
4. Who is your favourite artist?
There are too many to choose just one, but I have to say I really do love Bernini, and I love Hirst. Both for the same reason really. When you stand in front of a sculpture by either artist, they make you feel and think at the same time. It’s such a moment!
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Trick question, I don't think an artist can commit a crime apart from maybe dialling it in and becoming mediocre. I read yesterday a great quote by Sally Mann, which I have to say I agreed with. When talking about herself, she said, “... If you have a reputation and you've done well and you're successful, people are more likely to forgive mediocre work because you're famous.”
So, I guess the biggest crime I could personally commit is to stop asking questions, especially of myself. That’s why I keep trying to be hungry and inquisitive, thankfully it’s a massive part of my personality.
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
The Galleria Borghese (inside Villa Borghese), to see the Bernini’s. I went to see the Caravaggios they have, as I love Caravaggio so much, but the Bernini’s blew me away! If you haven't seen them, they are a must-see!
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
I don't know, as I’m not really in it. I’m on the periphery. I feel like I’m on the periphery of a lot of things, fashion, art, music. Which kind of suits my contrarian nature.
One of the things I do hate about some people in the art world is how flaky they can be. There is so much fluff, and I’m much more of a doer than a talker! Plus, I think people love to have opinions, but so few of them feel thought through. If you scratch the surface, a lot of people are just reading off the same hymn sheet! I hate groupthink, cults and religion.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My own, because I think it’s important to really think about things and care about what you think. These judgements we make about work should be thought through and personally scrutinised. Also, my wife’s because she is the best critic and sounding board, and she is always absolutely honest with me. I think brutal honesty with both yourself and from someone you trust makes you really interrogate your work.
9. What trend in art makes you roll your eyes?
All of them. I can’t stand trends, same reason I don’t like religions or groupthink. It’s just bandwagoning. One in fashion photography really made me laugh: for a while, everyone was doing these bizarre things with chairs, standing on them, draping themselves across them, anything except sitting normally. It got so ridiculous I ended up making a comedic mockumentary about it. I called it La Chaise Ironique.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
According to Spotify, Yung Blud, ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’- I have been listening to that since January, on heavy rotation. Ben Kidson, ‘Shiver’, and Ren, ‘Fire’.
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
Blue and black as my motifs. Black because of Johnny Cash and a little bit to do with the movie 9½ Weeks, where the character only wears the same thing and it’s always black, as it takes the decision out of the day, I loved that idea. And blue because it’s so emotional and endlessly expressive! I love that it means so many things and makes you feel so many different feelings. If I could paint, I think I’d paint predominantly in blue.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Four, my dogs. The objects I’d just leave, the dogs are my family, and a fire would panic them!
13. What can you tell us about your upcoming show, On Board With Rankin?
On Board With Rankin captures the freedom, anticipation, and individuality of a journey aboard Arvia with P&O Cruises. The exhibition showcases not only guests, crew, and personalities like Layton Williams, Alex James, and Marco Pierre White, but also the moments that make life at sea so dynamic. It’s about seeing cruising in a fresh, vibrant light.
14. Which piece in the show took the longest to perfect and why?
Because it’s a portrait documentary, it’s never been about a ‘perfect’ image to me. What mattered most was conveying people’s personalities, the essence of being on board a P&O Cruise and the energy.
15. What impression do you hope people get after seeing your show?
That they’ve seen how much fun cruising can be through my eyes! I want people to feel the atmosphere on board a P&O Cruise: the excitement, spontaneity, and the little moments that bring each voyage to life.
On Board With Rankin will be on view at Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall B, Ground Floor, from 17 September.
Welcome to 15 Questions With… a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators, and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Rankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director. He co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1990, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the fashion and culture publication Hunger. As a photographer and a director, he has photographed everyone from Madonna to Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum to the Spice Girls.
Next week will see the opening of On Board With Rankin, a new exhibition of his photographs at Battersea Power Station. The show comprises 42 images that see him turn his lens on the unexpected world of modern cruising, capturing actor Layton Williams, celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, Blur's Alex James, and other guests on board a state-of-the-art cruise ship. The exhibition is on view from 17 September to 28.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
Wowzers, great question. It’s funny, because my family were very working class, so art did not figure in my life until I was about 13 or 14, then it began with record covers. In a way, it’s been a bit of a superpower as it’s meant I’ve been able to literally choose my own taste. I’ve not really been that influenced when growing up. This has meant I’ve been able to have quite a diverse set of things I love.
But I guess to be direct, the first work of art I remember is probably a painting by Lowry called ‘Coming from the Mill’ or something like that. It would have been directly influenced by the song “Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs” by Brian and Michael, possibly it was on a jigsaw. That’s my earliest memory, as I remember my dad really liked that song, and I seem to remember a bit of an obsession with his art at that time! So his work is definitely the first works of art I really looked at. Oh, and I remember being very taken by Giles Cartoons when I was a kid. I still love a political cartoonist.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
Boredom, I try to make sure I’m bored, as that’s when I get ideas. I love reading a lot, especially cultural critique, and I do love a documentary film that can be incredibly inspirational, and recently I have enjoyed sparring with LLMs. I also love other photographers' work, I’m a massive fan boy, and I think I used jealousy in the past to push me to do better work, but these days I try to push myself with more healthy things. But quite frankly, when I’m bored, that’s when stuff happens. That’s when all of the other things collide.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
You never really take a break, do you? That’s what’s amazing about it. It’s like a love affair. You just keep thinking about it, you dream about it. You obsess about it. It’s strange, isn't it, even when things aren’t working, I still love it. It still keeps me sane, it helps me make sense of the world. I remember when lockdown happened, after one week, I was like, ‘Right, what have I wanted to master that I can focus on?’. I’d been trying to take photos of flowers for so, so long and just could never find a way in, and then I’m on my own in a room, with a load of flowers and within a week I’m shooting 6 to 7 hours a day. It took me about three weeks, but eventually I found it. As I started to talk to the flowers, I realised I’m taking portraits of them, and now the images are working. By the end of lockdown, I could take a flower portrait in one frame!
But then I guess walking the dogs counts as a break?
4. Who is your favourite artist?
There are too many to choose just one, but I have to say I really do love Bernini, and I love Hirst. Both for the same reason really. When you stand in front of a sculpture by either artist, they make you feel and think at the same time. It’s such a moment!
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Trick question, I don't think an artist can commit a crime apart from maybe dialling it in and becoming mediocre. I read yesterday a great quote by Sally Mann, which I have to say I agreed with. When talking about herself, she said, “... If you have a reputation and you've done well and you're successful, people are more likely to forgive mediocre work because you're famous.”
So, I guess the biggest crime I could personally commit is to stop asking questions, especially of myself. That’s why I keep trying to be hungry and inquisitive, thankfully it’s a massive part of my personality.
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
The Galleria Borghese (inside Villa Borghese), to see the Bernini’s. I went to see the Caravaggios they have, as I love Caravaggio so much, but the Bernini’s blew me away! If you haven't seen them, they are a must-see!
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
I don't know, as I’m not really in it. I’m on the periphery. I feel like I’m on the periphery of a lot of things, fashion, art, music. Which kind of suits my contrarian nature.
One of the things I do hate about some people in the art world is how flaky they can be. There is so much fluff, and I’m much more of a doer than a talker! Plus, I think people love to have opinions, but so few of them feel thought through. If you scratch the surface, a lot of people are just reading off the same hymn sheet! I hate groupthink, cults and religion.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My own, because I think it’s important to really think about things and care about what you think. These judgements we make about work should be thought through and personally scrutinised. Also, my wife’s because she is the best critic and sounding board, and she is always absolutely honest with me. I think brutal honesty with both yourself and from someone you trust makes you really interrogate your work.
9. What trend in art makes you roll your eyes?
All of them. I can’t stand trends, same reason I don’t like religions or groupthink. It’s just bandwagoning. One in fashion photography really made me laugh: for a while, everyone was doing these bizarre things with chairs, standing on them, draping themselves across them, anything except sitting normally. It got so ridiculous I ended up making a comedic mockumentary about it. I called it La Chaise Ironique.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
According to Spotify, Yung Blud, ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’- I have been listening to that since January, on heavy rotation. Ben Kidson, ‘Shiver’, and Ren, ‘Fire’.
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
Blue and black as my motifs. Black because of Johnny Cash and a little bit to do with the movie 9½ Weeks, where the character only wears the same thing and it’s always black, as it takes the decision out of the day, I loved that idea. And blue because it’s so emotional and endlessly expressive! I love that it means so many things and makes you feel so many different feelings. If I could paint, I think I’d paint predominantly in blue.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Four, my dogs. The objects I’d just leave, the dogs are my family, and a fire would panic them!
13. What can you tell us about your upcoming show, On Board With Rankin?
On Board With Rankin captures the freedom, anticipation, and individuality of a journey aboard Arvia with P&O Cruises. The exhibition showcases not only guests, crew, and personalities like Layton Williams, Alex James, and Marco Pierre White, but also the moments that make life at sea so dynamic. It’s about seeing cruising in a fresh, vibrant light.
14. Which piece in the show took the longest to perfect and why?
Because it’s a portrait documentary, it’s never been about a ‘perfect’ image to me. What mattered most was conveying people’s personalities, the essence of being on board a P&O Cruise and the energy.
15. What impression do you hope people get after seeing your show?
That they’ve seen how much fun cruising can be through my eyes! I want people to feel the atmosphere on board a P&O Cruise: the excitement, spontaneity, and the little moments that bring each voyage to life.
On Board With Rankin will be on view at Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall B, Ground Floor, from 17 September.
Welcome to 15 Questions With… a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators, and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Rankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director. He co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1990, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the fashion and culture publication Hunger. As a photographer and a director, he has photographed everyone from Madonna to Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum to the Spice Girls.
Next week will see the opening of On Board With Rankin, a new exhibition of his photographs at Battersea Power Station. The show comprises 42 images that see him turn his lens on the unexpected world of modern cruising, capturing actor Layton Williams, celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, Blur's Alex James, and other guests on board a state-of-the-art cruise ship. The exhibition is on view from 17 September to 28.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
Wowzers, great question. It’s funny, because my family were very working class, so art did not figure in my life until I was about 13 or 14, then it began with record covers. In a way, it’s been a bit of a superpower as it’s meant I’ve been able to literally choose my own taste. I’ve not really been that influenced when growing up. This has meant I’ve been able to have quite a diverse set of things I love.
But I guess to be direct, the first work of art I remember is probably a painting by Lowry called ‘Coming from the Mill’ or something like that. It would have been directly influenced by the song “Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs” by Brian and Michael, possibly it was on a jigsaw. That’s my earliest memory, as I remember my dad really liked that song, and I seem to remember a bit of an obsession with his art at that time! So his work is definitely the first works of art I really looked at. Oh, and I remember being very taken by Giles Cartoons when I was a kid. I still love a political cartoonist.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
Boredom, I try to make sure I’m bored, as that’s when I get ideas. I love reading a lot, especially cultural critique, and I do love a documentary film that can be incredibly inspirational, and recently I have enjoyed sparring with LLMs. I also love other photographers' work, I’m a massive fan boy, and I think I used jealousy in the past to push me to do better work, but these days I try to push myself with more healthy things. But quite frankly, when I’m bored, that’s when stuff happens. That’s when all of the other things collide.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
You never really take a break, do you? That’s what’s amazing about it. It’s like a love affair. You just keep thinking about it, you dream about it. You obsess about it. It’s strange, isn't it, even when things aren’t working, I still love it. It still keeps me sane, it helps me make sense of the world. I remember when lockdown happened, after one week, I was like, ‘Right, what have I wanted to master that I can focus on?’. I’d been trying to take photos of flowers for so, so long and just could never find a way in, and then I’m on my own in a room, with a load of flowers and within a week I’m shooting 6 to 7 hours a day. It took me about three weeks, but eventually I found it. As I started to talk to the flowers, I realised I’m taking portraits of them, and now the images are working. By the end of lockdown, I could take a flower portrait in one frame!
But then I guess walking the dogs counts as a break?
4. Who is your favourite artist?
There are too many to choose just one, but I have to say I really do love Bernini, and I love Hirst. Both for the same reason really. When you stand in front of a sculpture by either artist, they make you feel and think at the same time. It’s such a moment!
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Trick question, I don't think an artist can commit a crime apart from maybe dialling it in and becoming mediocre. I read yesterday a great quote by Sally Mann, which I have to say I agreed with. When talking about herself, she said, “... If you have a reputation and you've done well and you're successful, people are more likely to forgive mediocre work because you're famous.”
So, I guess the biggest crime I could personally commit is to stop asking questions, especially of myself. That’s why I keep trying to be hungry and inquisitive, thankfully it’s a massive part of my personality.
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
The Galleria Borghese (inside Villa Borghese), to see the Bernini’s. I went to see the Caravaggios they have, as I love Caravaggio so much, but the Bernini’s blew me away! If you haven't seen them, they are a must-see!
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
I don't know, as I’m not really in it. I’m on the periphery. I feel like I’m on the periphery of a lot of things, fashion, art, music. Which kind of suits my contrarian nature.
One of the things I do hate about some people in the art world is how flaky they can be. There is so much fluff, and I’m much more of a doer than a talker! Plus, I think people love to have opinions, but so few of them feel thought through. If you scratch the surface, a lot of people are just reading off the same hymn sheet! I hate groupthink, cults and religion.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My own, because I think it’s important to really think about things and care about what you think. These judgements we make about work should be thought through and personally scrutinised. Also, my wife’s because she is the best critic and sounding board, and she is always absolutely honest with me. I think brutal honesty with both yourself and from someone you trust makes you really interrogate your work.
9. What trend in art makes you roll your eyes?
All of them. I can’t stand trends, same reason I don’t like religions or groupthink. It’s just bandwagoning. One in fashion photography really made me laugh: for a while, everyone was doing these bizarre things with chairs, standing on them, draping themselves across them, anything except sitting normally. It got so ridiculous I ended up making a comedic mockumentary about it. I called it La Chaise Ironique.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
According to Spotify, Yung Blud, ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’- I have been listening to that since January, on heavy rotation. Ben Kidson, ‘Shiver’, and Ren, ‘Fire’.
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
Blue and black as my motifs. Black because of Johnny Cash and a little bit to do with the movie 9½ Weeks, where the character only wears the same thing and it’s always black, as it takes the decision out of the day, I loved that idea. And blue because it’s so emotional and endlessly expressive! I love that it means so many things and makes you feel so many different feelings. If I could paint, I think I’d paint predominantly in blue.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Four, my dogs. The objects I’d just leave, the dogs are my family, and a fire would panic them!
13. What can you tell us about your upcoming show, On Board With Rankin?
On Board With Rankin captures the freedom, anticipation, and individuality of a journey aboard Arvia with P&O Cruises. The exhibition showcases not only guests, crew, and personalities like Layton Williams, Alex James, and Marco Pierre White, but also the moments that make life at sea so dynamic. It’s about seeing cruising in a fresh, vibrant light.
14. Which piece in the show took the longest to perfect and why?
Because it’s a portrait documentary, it’s never been about a ‘perfect’ image to me. What mattered most was conveying people’s personalities, the essence of being on board a P&O Cruise and the energy.
15. What impression do you hope people get after seeing your show?
That they’ve seen how much fun cruising can be through my eyes! I want people to feel the atmosphere on board a P&O Cruise: the excitement, spontaneity, and the little moments that bring each voyage to life.
On Board With Rankin will be on view at Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall B, Ground Floor, from 17 September.
Welcome to 15 Questions With… a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators, and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Rankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director. He co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1990, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the fashion and culture publication Hunger. As a photographer and a director, he has photographed everyone from Madonna to Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum to the Spice Girls.
Next week will see the opening of On Board With Rankin, a new exhibition of his photographs at Battersea Power Station. The show comprises 42 images that see him turn his lens on the unexpected world of modern cruising, capturing actor Layton Williams, celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, Blur's Alex James, and other guests on board a state-of-the-art cruise ship. The exhibition is on view from 17 September to 28.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
Wowzers, great question. It’s funny, because my family were very working class, so art did not figure in my life until I was about 13 or 14, then it began with record covers. In a way, it’s been a bit of a superpower as it’s meant I’ve been able to literally choose my own taste. I’ve not really been that influenced when growing up. This has meant I’ve been able to have quite a diverse set of things I love.
But I guess to be direct, the first work of art I remember is probably a painting by Lowry called ‘Coming from the Mill’ or something like that. It would have been directly influenced by the song “Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs” by Brian and Michael, possibly it was on a jigsaw. That’s my earliest memory, as I remember my dad really liked that song, and I seem to remember a bit of an obsession with his art at that time! So his work is definitely the first works of art I really looked at. Oh, and I remember being very taken by Giles Cartoons when I was a kid. I still love a political cartoonist.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
Boredom, I try to make sure I’m bored, as that’s when I get ideas. I love reading a lot, especially cultural critique, and I do love a documentary film that can be incredibly inspirational, and recently I have enjoyed sparring with LLMs. I also love other photographers' work, I’m a massive fan boy, and I think I used jealousy in the past to push me to do better work, but these days I try to push myself with more healthy things. But quite frankly, when I’m bored, that’s when stuff happens. That’s when all of the other things collide.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
You never really take a break, do you? That’s what’s amazing about it. It’s like a love affair. You just keep thinking about it, you dream about it. You obsess about it. It’s strange, isn't it, even when things aren’t working, I still love it. It still keeps me sane, it helps me make sense of the world. I remember when lockdown happened, after one week, I was like, ‘Right, what have I wanted to master that I can focus on?’. I’d been trying to take photos of flowers for so, so long and just could never find a way in, and then I’m on my own in a room, with a load of flowers and within a week I’m shooting 6 to 7 hours a day. It took me about three weeks, but eventually I found it. As I started to talk to the flowers, I realised I’m taking portraits of them, and now the images are working. By the end of lockdown, I could take a flower portrait in one frame!
But then I guess walking the dogs counts as a break?
4. Who is your favourite artist?
There are too many to choose just one, but I have to say I really do love Bernini, and I love Hirst. Both for the same reason really. When you stand in front of a sculpture by either artist, they make you feel and think at the same time. It’s such a moment!
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Trick question, I don't think an artist can commit a crime apart from maybe dialling it in and becoming mediocre. I read yesterday a great quote by Sally Mann, which I have to say I agreed with. When talking about herself, she said, “... If you have a reputation and you've done well and you're successful, people are more likely to forgive mediocre work because you're famous.”
So, I guess the biggest crime I could personally commit is to stop asking questions, especially of myself. That’s why I keep trying to be hungry and inquisitive, thankfully it’s a massive part of my personality.
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
The Galleria Borghese (inside Villa Borghese), to see the Bernini’s. I went to see the Caravaggios they have, as I love Caravaggio so much, but the Bernini’s blew me away! If you haven't seen them, they are a must-see!
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
I don't know, as I’m not really in it. I’m on the periphery. I feel like I’m on the periphery of a lot of things, fashion, art, music. Which kind of suits my contrarian nature.
One of the things I do hate about some people in the art world is how flaky they can be. There is so much fluff, and I’m much more of a doer than a talker! Plus, I think people love to have opinions, but so few of them feel thought through. If you scratch the surface, a lot of people are just reading off the same hymn sheet! I hate groupthink, cults and religion.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My own, because I think it’s important to really think about things and care about what you think. These judgements we make about work should be thought through and personally scrutinised. Also, my wife’s because she is the best critic and sounding board, and she is always absolutely honest with me. I think brutal honesty with both yourself and from someone you trust makes you really interrogate your work.
9. What trend in art makes you roll your eyes?
All of them. I can’t stand trends, same reason I don’t like religions or groupthink. It’s just bandwagoning. One in fashion photography really made me laugh: for a while, everyone was doing these bizarre things with chairs, standing on them, draping themselves across them, anything except sitting normally. It got so ridiculous I ended up making a comedic mockumentary about it. I called it La Chaise Ironique.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
According to Spotify, Yung Blud, ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’- I have been listening to that since January, on heavy rotation. Ben Kidson, ‘Shiver’, and Ren, ‘Fire’.
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
Blue and black as my motifs. Black because of Johnny Cash and a little bit to do with the movie 9½ Weeks, where the character only wears the same thing and it’s always black, as it takes the decision out of the day, I loved that idea. And blue because it’s so emotional and endlessly expressive! I love that it means so many things and makes you feel so many different feelings. If I could paint, I think I’d paint predominantly in blue.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Four, my dogs. The objects I’d just leave, the dogs are my family, and a fire would panic them!
13. What can you tell us about your upcoming show, On Board With Rankin?
On Board With Rankin captures the freedom, anticipation, and individuality of a journey aboard Arvia with P&O Cruises. The exhibition showcases not only guests, crew, and personalities like Layton Williams, Alex James, and Marco Pierre White, but also the moments that make life at sea so dynamic. It’s about seeing cruising in a fresh, vibrant light.
14. Which piece in the show took the longest to perfect and why?
Because it’s a portrait documentary, it’s never been about a ‘perfect’ image to me. What mattered most was conveying people’s personalities, the essence of being on board a P&O Cruise and the energy.
15. What impression do you hope people get after seeing your show?
That they’ve seen how much fun cruising can be through my eyes! I want people to feel the atmosphere on board a P&O Cruise: the excitement, spontaneity, and the little moments that bring each voyage to life.
On Board With Rankin will be on view at Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall B, Ground Floor, from 17 September.
Welcome to 15 Questions With… a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators, and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Rankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director. He co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1990, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the fashion and culture publication Hunger. As a photographer and a director, he has photographed everyone from Madonna to Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum to the Spice Girls.
Next week will see the opening of On Board With Rankin, a new exhibition of his photographs at Battersea Power Station. The show comprises 42 images that see him turn his lens on the unexpected world of modern cruising, capturing actor Layton Williams, celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, Blur's Alex James, and other guests on board a state-of-the-art cruise ship. The exhibition is on view from 17 September to 28.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
Wowzers, great question. It’s funny, because my family were very working class, so art did not figure in my life until I was about 13 or 14, then it began with record covers. In a way, it’s been a bit of a superpower as it’s meant I’ve been able to literally choose my own taste. I’ve not really been that influenced when growing up. This has meant I’ve been able to have quite a diverse set of things I love.
But I guess to be direct, the first work of art I remember is probably a painting by Lowry called ‘Coming from the Mill’ or something like that. It would have been directly influenced by the song “Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs” by Brian and Michael, possibly it was on a jigsaw. That’s my earliest memory, as I remember my dad really liked that song, and I seem to remember a bit of an obsession with his art at that time! So his work is definitely the first works of art I really looked at. Oh, and I remember being very taken by Giles Cartoons when I was a kid. I still love a political cartoonist.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
Boredom, I try to make sure I’m bored, as that’s when I get ideas. I love reading a lot, especially cultural critique, and I do love a documentary film that can be incredibly inspirational, and recently I have enjoyed sparring with LLMs. I also love other photographers' work, I’m a massive fan boy, and I think I used jealousy in the past to push me to do better work, but these days I try to push myself with more healthy things. But quite frankly, when I’m bored, that’s when stuff happens. That’s when all of the other things collide.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
You never really take a break, do you? That’s what’s amazing about it. It’s like a love affair. You just keep thinking about it, you dream about it. You obsess about it. It’s strange, isn't it, even when things aren’t working, I still love it. It still keeps me sane, it helps me make sense of the world. I remember when lockdown happened, after one week, I was like, ‘Right, what have I wanted to master that I can focus on?’. I’d been trying to take photos of flowers for so, so long and just could never find a way in, and then I’m on my own in a room, with a load of flowers and within a week I’m shooting 6 to 7 hours a day. It took me about three weeks, but eventually I found it. As I started to talk to the flowers, I realised I’m taking portraits of them, and now the images are working. By the end of lockdown, I could take a flower portrait in one frame!
But then I guess walking the dogs counts as a break?
4. Who is your favourite artist?
There are too many to choose just one, but I have to say I really do love Bernini, and I love Hirst. Both for the same reason really. When you stand in front of a sculpture by either artist, they make you feel and think at the same time. It’s such a moment!
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Trick question, I don't think an artist can commit a crime apart from maybe dialling it in and becoming mediocre. I read yesterday a great quote by Sally Mann, which I have to say I agreed with. When talking about herself, she said, “... If you have a reputation and you've done well and you're successful, people are more likely to forgive mediocre work because you're famous.”
So, I guess the biggest crime I could personally commit is to stop asking questions, especially of myself. That’s why I keep trying to be hungry and inquisitive, thankfully it’s a massive part of my personality.
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
The Galleria Borghese (inside Villa Borghese), to see the Bernini’s. I went to see the Caravaggios they have, as I love Caravaggio so much, but the Bernini’s blew me away! If you haven't seen them, they are a must-see!
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
I don't know, as I’m not really in it. I’m on the periphery. I feel like I’m on the periphery of a lot of things, fashion, art, music. Which kind of suits my contrarian nature.
One of the things I do hate about some people in the art world is how flaky they can be. There is so much fluff, and I’m much more of a doer than a talker! Plus, I think people love to have opinions, but so few of them feel thought through. If you scratch the surface, a lot of people are just reading off the same hymn sheet! I hate groupthink, cults and religion.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My own, because I think it’s important to really think about things and care about what you think. These judgements we make about work should be thought through and personally scrutinised. Also, my wife’s because she is the best critic and sounding board, and she is always absolutely honest with me. I think brutal honesty with both yourself and from someone you trust makes you really interrogate your work.
9. What trend in art makes you roll your eyes?
All of them. I can’t stand trends, same reason I don’t like religions or groupthink. It’s just bandwagoning. One in fashion photography really made me laugh: for a while, everyone was doing these bizarre things with chairs, standing on them, draping themselves across them, anything except sitting normally. It got so ridiculous I ended up making a comedic mockumentary about it. I called it La Chaise Ironique.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
According to Spotify, Yung Blud, ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’- I have been listening to that since January, on heavy rotation. Ben Kidson, ‘Shiver’, and Ren, ‘Fire’.
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
Blue and black as my motifs. Black because of Johnny Cash and a little bit to do with the movie 9½ Weeks, where the character only wears the same thing and it’s always black, as it takes the decision out of the day, I loved that idea. And blue because it’s so emotional and endlessly expressive! I love that it means so many things and makes you feel so many different feelings. If I could paint, I think I’d paint predominantly in blue.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Four, my dogs. The objects I’d just leave, the dogs are my family, and a fire would panic them!
13. What can you tell us about your upcoming show, On Board With Rankin?
On Board With Rankin captures the freedom, anticipation, and individuality of a journey aboard Arvia with P&O Cruises. The exhibition showcases not only guests, crew, and personalities like Layton Williams, Alex James, and Marco Pierre White, but also the moments that make life at sea so dynamic. It’s about seeing cruising in a fresh, vibrant light.
14. Which piece in the show took the longest to perfect and why?
Because it’s a portrait documentary, it’s never been about a ‘perfect’ image to me. What mattered most was conveying people’s personalities, the essence of being on board a P&O Cruise and the energy.
15. What impression do you hope people get after seeing your show?
That they’ve seen how much fun cruising can be through my eyes! I want people to feel the atmosphere on board a P&O Cruise: the excitement, spontaneity, and the little moments that bring each voyage to life.
On Board With Rankin will be on view at Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall B, Ground Floor, from 17 September.
Welcome to 15 Questions With… a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators, and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Rankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director. He co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1990, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the fashion and culture publication Hunger. As a photographer and a director, he has photographed everyone from Madonna to Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum to the Spice Girls.
Next week will see the opening of On Board With Rankin, a new exhibition of his photographs at Battersea Power Station. The show comprises 42 images that see him turn his lens on the unexpected world of modern cruising, capturing actor Layton Williams, celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, Blur's Alex James, and other guests on board a state-of-the-art cruise ship. The exhibition is on view from 17 September to 28.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
Wowzers, great question. It’s funny, because my family were very working class, so art did not figure in my life until I was about 13 or 14, then it began with record covers. In a way, it’s been a bit of a superpower as it’s meant I’ve been able to literally choose my own taste. I’ve not really been that influenced when growing up. This has meant I’ve been able to have quite a diverse set of things I love.
But I guess to be direct, the first work of art I remember is probably a painting by Lowry called ‘Coming from the Mill’ or something like that. It would have been directly influenced by the song “Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs” by Brian and Michael, possibly it was on a jigsaw. That’s my earliest memory, as I remember my dad really liked that song, and I seem to remember a bit of an obsession with his art at that time! So his work is definitely the first works of art I really looked at. Oh, and I remember being very taken by Giles Cartoons when I was a kid. I still love a political cartoonist.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
Boredom, I try to make sure I’m bored, as that’s when I get ideas. I love reading a lot, especially cultural critique, and I do love a documentary film that can be incredibly inspirational, and recently I have enjoyed sparring with LLMs. I also love other photographers' work, I’m a massive fan boy, and I think I used jealousy in the past to push me to do better work, but these days I try to push myself with more healthy things. But quite frankly, when I’m bored, that’s when stuff happens. That’s when all of the other things collide.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
You never really take a break, do you? That’s what’s amazing about it. It’s like a love affair. You just keep thinking about it, you dream about it. You obsess about it. It’s strange, isn't it, even when things aren’t working, I still love it. It still keeps me sane, it helps me make sense of the world. I remember when lockdown happened, after one week, I was like, ‘Right, what have I wanted to master that I can focus on?’. I’d been trying to take photos of flowers for so, so long and just could never find a way in, and then I’m on my own in a room, with a load of flowers and within a week I’m shooting 6 to 7 hours a day. It took me about three weeks, but eventually I found it. As I started to talk to the flowers, I realised I’m taking portraits of them, and now the images are working. By the end of lockdown, I could take a flower portrait in one frame!
But then I guess walking the dogs counts as a break?
4. Who is your favourite artist?
There are too many to choose just one, but I have to say I really do love Bernini, and I love Hirst. Both for the same reason really. When you stand in front of a sculpture by either artist, they make you feel and think at the same time. It’s such a moment!
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Trick question, I don't think an artist can commit a crime apart from maybe dialling it in and becoming mediocre. I read yesterday a great quote by Sally Mann, which I have to say I agreed with. When talking about herself, she said, “... If you have a reputation and you've done well and you're successful, people are more likely to forgive mediocre work because you're famous.”
So, I guess the biggest crime I could personally commit is to stop asking questions, especially of myself. That’s why I keep trying to be hungry and inquisitive, thankfully it’s a massive part of my personality.
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
The Galleria Borghese (inside Villa Borghese), to see the Bernini’s. I went to see the Caravaggios they have, as I love Caravaggio so much, but the Bernini’s blew me away! If you haven't seen them, they are a must-see!
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
I don't know, as I’m not really in it. I’m on the periphery. I feel like I’m on the periphery of a lot of things, fashion, art, music. Which kind of suits my contrarian nature.
One of the things I do hate about some people in the art world is how flaky they can be. There is so much fluff, and I’m much more of a doer than a talker! Plus, I think people love to have opinions, but so few of them feel thought through. If you scratch the surface, a lot of people are just reading off the same hymn sheet! I hate groupthink, cults and religion.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My own, because I think it’s important to really think about things and care about what you think. These judgements we make about work should be thought through and personally scrutinised. Also, my wife’s because she is the best critic and sounding board, and she is always absolutely honest with me. I think brutal honesty with both yourself and from someone you trust makes you really interrogate your work.
9. What trend in art makes you roll your eyes?
All of them. I can’t stand trends, same reason I don’t like religions or groupthink. It’s just bandwagoning. One in fashion photography really made me laugh: for a while, everyone was doing these bizarre things with chairs, standing on them, draping themselves across them, anything except sitting normally. It got so ridiculous I ended up making a comedic mockumentary about it. I called it La Chaise Ironique.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
According to Spotify, Yung Blud, ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’- I have been listening to that since January, on heavy rotation. Ben Kidson, ‘Shiver’, and Ren, ‘Fire’.
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
Blue and black as my motifs. Black because of Johnny Cash and a little bit to do with the movie 9½ Weeks, where the character only wears the same thing and it’s always black, as it takes the decision out of the day, I loved that idea. And blue because it’s so emotional and endlessly expressive! I love that it means so many things and makes you feel so many different feelings. If I could paint, I think I’d paint predominantly in blue.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Four, my dogs. The objects I’d just leave, the dogs are my family, and a fire would panic them!
13. What can you tell us about your upcoming show, On Board With Rankin?
On Board With Rankin captures the freedom, anticipation, and individuality of a journey aboard Arvia with P&O Cruises. The exhibition showcases not only guests, crew, and personalities like Layton Williams, Alex James, and Marco Pierre White, but also the moments that make life at sea so dynamic. It’s about seeing cruising in a fresh, vibrant light.
14. Which piece in the show took the longest to perfect and why?
Because it’s a portrait documentary, it’s never been about a ‘perfect’ image to me. What mattered most was conveying people’s personalities, the essence of being on board a P&O Cruise and the energy.
15. What impression do you hope people get after seeing your show?
That they’ve seen how much fun cruising can be through my eyes! I want people to feel the atmosphere on board a P&O Cruise: the excitement, spontaneity, and the little moments that bring each voyage to life.
On Board With Rankin will be on view at Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall B, Ground Floor, from 17 September.
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