IRL2URL: Matt Kaplan's Virtual Exhibition
The internet has influenced art in COUNTLESS ways but this is my favorite of late. Matt Kaplan, a 20 year old photographer and general creative from New York, is currently constructing a 3D rendered art gallery. Unable to secure a spot in a real life gallery, Matt constructed his own, a venue he is calling IRLtoURL.
Matt has shared the stage/green room/studio with some of hip hops biggest acts. With an eye for capturing rising stars in their element through his lens, the long island native has quickly made a name for himself in an industry that is not the easiest to crack into.
To label Matt as only a photographer would not be fair. He also has worked on album art and video for various artists. He has recently been improving his 3D rendering skills as well which birthed the idea of this project.
I was able to ask Matt some questions this week and discuss IRL2URL:
When did you start getting involved with art? Who brought it into your life?
My dad used to paint back in the day & so did my sister, but I picked up a camera & got myself interested in photography. That being said, my family definitely drove me in the art direction
What is your favorite photo you have ever taken?
Favorite photo I've ever taken has to be Fetty Wap eating a burger at SXSW 2015. That picture is so rare because it was 'pre-dreads' & blow up of trap queen & its super casual.
What has been the coolest moment since you have been working with big artists?
Meeting Young Thug was super tight. That was a big moment for me. Then after the shoot we went out to dinner before the show with the record label I was working with at the time, so that was epic.
What inspired the idea for IRL2URL?
IRL2URL was inspired by the fact that I couldn't afford expensive gallery spaces to host an exhibition in NY & Ive been getting into more 3D rendering lately so I decided why not make a gallery space of my own without a price or restrictions. Also, I wanted to take my real life photos & experiences into the web with the cyber, 3D gallery feel.
When you are working on album art, how involved in the creative process are you?
It depends on person I'm working with. For Nyck Cautions cover he had the concept, I just shot & helped with process of editing the photo. But some people I bring ideas to the table & we work off that.