• The Culture of Magick
  • The Culture of Magick
  • The Culture of Magick

EDITORIAL: A study of myth, worship and witchcraft, Aris Akritidis reimagines ancient rituals from a modern perspective

mag·ick
(măj′ĭk)
n.
In Wicca and certain other belief systems,

 action or effort undertaken

 to effect personal transformation or external change.

[Variant of magic.]

mag′ick·al adj.

Based around the aesthetics of cross-cultural magical practices, photographer Aris Akritidis explores the role of body adornment in religious and occult activities across the world, including paganism, voodoo and many more. Akritidis’ original inspiration for the story is ‘Koudounoforoi Stixia’, an ancient carnival tradition from his native Greece. This annual event is characterised by elaborate costumes, where revellers adorn themselves with paint, goat skins, horns and sheep bells. Using this idea as a starting point, The Culture of Magick explores the visual artistry of face, hair and body adornments that accompany ritual activities. Intricate headpieces by Gen Itoh and Norimitsu Goto are combined with extreme make-up and styling. By interweaving elements from different cultures, the story explores magic in a modern sphere, to spellbinding effect.

Photography + Concept: Aris Akritidis 
Hair: Gen Itoh and Norimitsu Goto 
Make-up: Olivia Cochrane 
Styling: Jiv D 
Hair Assistants: Laura Pucchi, Naomi Richardson, Federico Bufanio
Make-up Assistant: Konstantinos Galanis
Models: Sophie Bailey, Niamh Gray, Jennifer Malengele @ Profile, Yvonne @ Established
Casting: Annette Russell @ So Dam Tuff 

  • ANTHROPOLOGY OF HAIR
  • ANTHROPOLOGY OF HAIR
  • ANTHROPOLOGY OF HAIR
  • ANTHROPOLOGY OF HAIR
  • ANTHROPOLOGY OF HAIR