Beautiful Mag: a force of nature [bm cover story]

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A Force of Nature [BM Cover Story] WE HAVE THE STRANGE HABIT TO GIVE NAMES TO CYCLONES AND HURRICANES. NOT ANY NAMES, BUT VERY HUMAN NAMES. THUS GIVING A VERY HUMAN CHARACTER TO THOSE OFTEN DESTRUCTIVE STORMS. BUT EVERY NOW AND THAN ONE OF THOSE POWERFUL GALES HITS US WITHOUT WRECKING THINGS UP. SOMETIMES THEY PASS OVER US, LEAVING A TRACE OF REFRESHMENT AND CLARITY. A NEW FOUND PURITY IN OUR WORLD THAT OFTEN GETS SO CLUTHERED AND CROWDED. THEY OFTEN COME UNEXPECTED BUT ARENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T LESS POWERFUL. THEY ARE REAL FORCES OF NATURE. A FORCE SUCH AS PETER ZVONAR. Slovakia is a landlocked state in Central Europe, bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south and Poland to the north. This northern border is formed by a mountain range named Tatra Mountains. Also known as High Tatra, the mountain range is the highest in the Carpathian Mountain and, together with its surrounding landscape, famous for its impressive natural beauty in both flora and fauna. It is here that photographer Peter Zvonar grew up, and it is here where he found his first inspiration to become an artist. Peter Zvonar's work is often described described as human photo stories. A non-traditional look on ordinary life. His art is a reflection of his own personality; especially when it comes to male physique. However, if you ask us, we would

probably say Peter Zvonar is – asides from all that – a refreshing and most talented photographer. Or better said, a force of nature. BeautifulMag spoke to him. Peter, welcome… before anything else, tell us a bit about your background please… Peter: Well, I come from the heart of Europe - from Slovakia. In my country, especially in the region where I was born and where I’m living now, it´s not so hard to become an artist, because the surrounding countryside and nature is simply fantastic and imaginary. Especially if we are talking about High and Low Tatras. So from this beauty perception it is only one step to catch everything as frequently as possible. As far as I remember, I showed talent for arts since my early childhood. Which I expressed first in painting and let in analogue photography. Did you always wanted to be a photographer growing up? What triggered it? Peter: It was my father who was an active photographer and who inspired me. I´ve studied at the school of art specialized on restoration of aged works of arts, but at that time I already knew it wasn’t what I´d like to do in the future. My dream was to catch pictures, to create various compositions, to focus on the human being. I have an amazing imagination. At first visions come into being in my head unwillingly. Often I wake up with the conception of an idea and all I know is that I will transform it into the reality. Can you explain where you fascination for male physique come from? Peter: My aspiration has always been to catch a story through a picture. Not only naked people but also to unhide the human internality. I am gay, so my inspiration for male physique is clear ☺. But also, in my country it is sometimes really hard to be “different”. You know - I´m still the same and probably stubborn but this is who I am and how I express myself. What according to Peter Zvonar, is the most essential and beautiful part of the male body and why? Peter: Male physique is fascinating for me from two points of view. The first one is independently on the fact I am gay or not, but in generality it is male physique as such. Where the female body is graceful and rich in beautiful curved lines, the male body is a manifestation of power, strength, spontaneity and a fighting spirit. The other point of view, is my fascination by male physique as a gay man. Sometimes it is really hard to separate this moment at work. But rest assured, I am and always will be professional ☺ By being a specialist in male photography, you´re certainly not the only one. Why do you think your work stands out from the rest? Peter: I´m not comparing myself with anybody. I´ve never done that. I´ve never resolved the situation when somebody compares my work with someone else. I have no great idols. I am who I am, in my life and in my creation also. My work is different, because I try to know every model before the photo shooting. As I mentioned before, my aim is not

only to physically undress somebody, but also to unhide his internality through my eyes, through my seeing. And this is the reason why is its is necessary for me to first to talk with my models. Usually people are afraid before shooting. Especially male models are ashamed. They don´t want to get naked, to undress. Thanks to our talks I´m able to persuade them, but always I keep the terms, keep the assigned borders, because I respect them and I´m not doing what they don ´t want to do. What is really interesting is the fact that the best interactivity comes with heterosexual male models. Do you feel the attitude of the public has changed towards male (erotic) photography? Peter: I think I depend on where you operate. I can give the perfect example of this attitude applied on the region where I’m living now. In October 2013 I had one great vernissage in the town where I was born. The vernissage helped me a lot, but there were problems with erotic photos, especially if the male nudes. The selection had to be balanced and I had to resubmit which was absolutely not acceptable. People look at me differently. Mainly because I am to spicy for them. I however don’t think so that my creations are so spicy. What is really funny here in this area is that with female nudes I have no so such problems as with male nudes. The human nakedness still seen as a problem, a taboo, particularly if we are talking about male nude. Who´s on your wish list when it comes to international models to shoot? Peter: I don’t have such a wish list. For me individuality is important, the human being behind the mode. Of course it is difference if I’m working on my own projects or if it is commissioned work. If it is commissioned, you do what the client want to see finally. Men for my private projects have to have something what we call “drive”. He has to pull from his peronality. Sure, first is there is near physical perfection but not without inside light. This is the reason why my selection is strong-minded. But there are also situations in which I meet interesting personalities and in that moment I know what I will shoot with him or her. It is an immediate reaction. And what I really hate is somebody´s

recommendation for models according their own style. This is what I don’t respect, because it is my work, my creation and finally my vision. What’s the next big thing for Peter Zvonar in 2014? Peter: 2014 will be magical for me. This year will be full of changes. I’m preparing an interview for a Slovak lifestyle magazine. Also there will be a big nudes exhibition. Asides from that, I will just be moving forward. I was gifted with optimism and bellicosity, so my target, my destination is clear. – BM-

PETER ZVONAR | BEAUTIFULMAG