William Josephs Radford (August 23, 1998) is a Spanish born Photographer and artist. Raised in an unconventional and exciting environment, William formed a deep affection with photography at a young age. At the age of 19 he moved to the UK in a pursuit to learn more about the art-form, later graduating from the University of Gloucestershire with a first-class honors in the subject.
Inspired by the transgression of Épater la bourgeoisie, He uses the medium to express a variety of topics and conversations; from sex and drugs to gender and identity. Radford’s Striking compositions and subject matters aim to challenge his audience, drawing on semiotic values and visual signifies - in order to explore these sensitive subjects from a new perspective.
Through his efforts, William strives to reshape and redefine the medium. So far, his contributions have earned the recognition of - FAPA, GGOP, NYC4PA, Harper's Magazine, F-stop Magazine, Saatchi Art, & many more.
Artist: William Josephs Radford
Instagram: josephsradford
Website: https://josephsradford.com/
Culturally Arts Collective features:
"ANTI-ART", February 15 - July 22 2023, Milostka Center for Exhibitions
What do you aim to say by the themes in your art?
My aim is to create photographs that evoke different thoughts and emotions in the audience. I encourage them to interpret the work through their own eyes, as the meaning behind each photograph is fluid and can easily change depending on who is viewing it.
Some of my favorite subjects to photograph are controversial topics such as sex, drugs, and religion. I find a lot of inspiration in these subjects as they carry a lot of contrasting semiotic signs and signals, making it easier to create visual tension.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration often stems from the dreamlike state I experience between dusk and dawn. During this time, my thoughts and ideas seem to flow freely, making it a rich source of inspiration for my work.
Do you have experiences that impacted your art?
Capturing self-portraits during a lightning storm on the tin roof of my childhood home was a defining moment in my artistic journey. To add to the experience I also wore a stocking on my head, as I had previously been taking photos of my family in stockings. The intense and unpredictable environment presented a thrilling challenge that allowed me to explore my creative and technical boundaries. To capture the shots, I set up my camera on a long exposure, remotely triggered it with a flash to illuminate myself, and waited for a bolt of lightning to strike before closing the shutter. The result was a haunting and unique collection of images, showcasing my ghostly figure against a backdrop of electrifying skies.
Do you feel your art challenges existing barriers?
As an artist, I am driven by the desire to challenge societal norms and break down existing barriers through my work. While I believe I have made some progress towards this goal, I feel like I have only just begun to scratch the surface of what is possible. My ultimate aim is to create not just visually stunning pieces, but also to deliver a meaningful message and make a statement. I take this responsibility very seriously and am constantly looking for new and innovative ways to push the boundaries of conventional thinking and make a greater impact through my art.
What are your long-term artistic goals?
I want to continue to challenge conventional thinking and create work that makes a meaningful impact. To do this, I want to experiment with new techniques and never stop learning. I am always searching for new ways to bring my ideas to life, and I hope to be constantly improving and evolving as an artist for many years to come. My ultimate goal is to create a body of work that stands the test of time and inspires future generations to think critically and creatively about the world around them.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
My advice to aspiring artists is to prioritize the creation of their own work over consumption of others' work. While it's important to be informed and appreciate other artists, the joy of creating your own unique pieces is what truly sets you apart and drives you forward as an artist. So, focus on creating more and enjoy the process.
