Christian Jago

Growing up, I was captivated by the special visual effects in films like The Dark Crystal and Blade Runner. I was fascinated by the ways in which fantastical worlds could come alive through visual magic, appearing so realistic and inviting that any sense of disbelief was suspended. I pored over behind-the-scenes books and documentaries to learn as much as possible about the craft, which led me to become the artist I am today.

Through my practice, I experiment with set design, photography and other disciplines to construct my own fantastical worlds in response to places and stories that inspire me, as well as daydreams and memories that linger in my mind.

To create my worlds, I predominantly hand-build miniature-scale sets, often through processes such as moulding and casting. I then light and photograph these sets, bringing my imaginary creations to visual reality. I also experiment with cyanotype printing, landscape photography and 3D imagery using photogrammetry.

Through the craft of world-building, I strive to create immersive spaces where people can temporarily step outside reality. I am particularly interested in the ability of fantasy and fairy tales to inspire individual interpretations and associations. I aim to create works that depict magical, peaceful places where the imagination can roam, creating experiences in which people can stop, wonder and smile.