Fresh from a summer debut in Mayfair, the works of an internationally acclaimed Hollywood photographer have gone on display in Chester.

Castle Galleries, Chester is displaying original works from one of the world’s most influential and talented fashion photographers and artists, Raphael Mazzucco.

As a photographer, Mazzucco’s style has evolved over the years and now seamlessly brings together painting, drawing, photography, collage and resin to create layered art that has an almost hypnotic quality.

Mazzucco’s bold collection, entitled Montauk, expertly merges both his love of photography and the sensuality of painting.

The viewer is instantly taken to the black volcanic beaches of Iceland, the lush, green mountains of Northern Vietnam and the barren salt flats of the Dead Sea, showcasing the world’s most beautiful women in settings that reflect this.

Mel Todd, Chester Castle Galleries manager, said: “It is a privilege that we can exhibit the works of such a renowned photographer and contemporary artist at our Chester gallery.

“Mazzucco’s latest collection, Montauk, really is breathtaking and must be seen first-hand to fully appreciate the expertly crafted technique, skill and time that has gone into creating each piece; the viewer will fall in love with the romance and beauty conveyed by the art.”

Speaking about his work and the inspiration behind his latest collection, Mazzucco said: “I feel that life is a circle, it’s a journey that always ends back at home.

“Montauk is where I live, and where I create most of my work. I draw a lot of inspiration from my surroundings and love being in the moment but even if the work is photographed in the remotest location, the journey always comes full circle back to my home, back to Montauk and my paint covered floors.”

Mazzucco is a Canadian fashion, art and music photographer. His photographs have appeared on the cover of three Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues in a four year span, including the 2006, 2008 and 2009 main cover images as well as the books: Sports Illustrated: Exposure (2006) and A Second Decade of Guess Images: 1991-2001.

He is known for starting his photo sessions with very tight shots from up-close to his subjects faces. He is also well known for his Guess campaigns.

He photographed Texan model Megan Ewing twice a year when she was a Guess Girl.

After years spent honing his craft across Europe, his arrival in New York City gained the attention of fashion brands, which led to Mazzucco creating iconic imagery for the likes of Victoria’s Secret, Guess Jeans, L’Oreal and Ralph Lauren.

His imagery has also appeared across some of the world’s most noted media such as Vogue, Marie Claire, Playboy and Vanity Fair.

Alongside this, he is known for his celebrity portraiture of actors including Benicio Del Toro, Matt Damon, Susan Sarandon and Elizabeth Banks.

Mazzucco added: “I’ve been very fortunate to exhibit my work all over the world, from Milan and Melbourne, to Hong Kong and New York.

“However, it’s an exciting time when I’m bringing my works to a country that has never seen them before.”

The collection is free of charge to view at the St Michael’s Row gallery. For more information, call 01244 345 800 or visit www.castlegalleries.com .