2017 Dec 07

Rich Stapleton’s muted landscapes

The collection of images created by Rich Stapleton is a true reflection of Cereal Magazine’s quiet and controlled approach to photography.

Words by Jean-François Adjabahoué
Photographs by Rich Stapleton

Stapleton’s refreshing views have been gracing the pages of Cereal Magazine since its launch in 2012. The highly influential and travel-focused publication he has created with his partner Rosa Park became the object of worldwide cult following among minimalism enthusiasts. After living in Scotland, Belgium, England, Germany and Italy, the renowned editor is now residing in Bath (Somerset, England) with his partner but never shies away from the thrills of exploration as he often spends most days of the year abroad in distant and new locations.

He’s giving life to clear and precise studies of his environments. Whether he’s leading projects for brands, composing still life photographs or documenting his own frequent travels, his command of colour palettes is always considerate and well-composed.

Following his Instagram feed is an eye-opening journey, filled with spellbinding pictures from different places in the world. Refined techniques, global vision – this has been the enchanting program offered by the skilful editor for many years. In all of his projects, his adept practice takes the viewer to new heights. Mastering the power of spaces and minimalism like no one else (he’s often cited artists like Agnes Martin and Mies Van De Rohe as great influences), he’s giving life to clear and precise studies of his environments. Whether he’s leading projects for brands (Norse Projects, Gap, Mr Porter), composing still life photographs for Cereal or documenting his own frequent travels, his command of colour palettes is always considerate and well-composed.
Rich Stapleton’s photographs read as a beautiful and unfussy approach to image-making – the complex is made simple and the simple is rendered sophisticated, thusly absorbing the viewer in a world of abstraction. This is especially striking in his magnetic landscapes, where the viewer can’t help but feel completely drowned in space. Yet, the subtle shades create a zone of comfort and familiarity which instils the funny feeling that you’ve been to and seen the places lying before your eyes.