EDITORIAL
Jaleesa van Beek
Jaleesa van Beek is an Amsterdam based artist that is mostly working with fashion photography.
She has worked in various sides of the fashion industry as an entrepreneur or manager of fashion forward brands, such as Givenchy and KENZO, where she developed an eye for aesthetics. In her work she focuses on capturing raw divinity that comes from detaching from body consciousness and connecting with inner strength.
She hereby aims to create a sensual form of freedom in a world that is dominated by the critical gaze.
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Moevir Magazine February Issue 2020 featured edition
[Ravenous Moon]
https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/1744946
Photographer & Wardrobe Stylist Jaleesa van Beek @byjaleesa
Model Channah Thijssen @cchanterpanter
Make-up Artist Elena Raams @0hmuapvnk
“This sacred place within, has been neglected for too long. This submissive inner piece within, now destined to become dominant, lifelong.”
“A ravenous moon beast, patiently waiting to come out… Caged for too long, tamed for too long, tyrannized for too long… These bars have always been too thin, to imprison this hairy existence within.”
“It is time to come out… wherever you are. Nothing will be hidden forever
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[INTERVIEW]
Could you share how do you expand your vision of art, fashion?
I believe that the gap between art and fashion only grows smaller as fashion becomes more conceptual. Fashion is no longer just about creating an ideal image of the perfect woman or man wearing the perfect outfit. I believe today’s fashion is including topics such as diversity, identity, social and political inclusiveness in an ever-changing, fast-paced world.
Furthermore, I believe that fashion is one of the purest expressions of art because it is art that lives on a daily basis. One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art. This is a quote by Oscar Wilde.
Is art, fashion important in your life? Why?
I have always felt strongly connected to art, because it is an important way to express myself creatively. In daily life, I can sometimes overthink or overanalyze the simplest things, which could cost a lot of energy.
When I am busy creating, all of that stops and it feels like a river is flowing to an unknown destination, yet known to my subconsciousness. It is here where I experience a sense of freedom. Fashion is important to me, because it is a powerful tool to show the world who I am and what I believe in, which also applies to my vision in fashion photography.
What is the most important thing for creating new work?
Whatever you create in this world, it has to come from inside. You have to believe in it. Of course, in the commercial world we are leaving in, it may not always be possible to fully express your vision in everything you make. Having said this, I do think it is crucial to always include a piece of your passion… a piece of your inner world, into everything you create.
Trying to stay as close as possible to your passion is the fuel you need to keep the river flowing and not only to become, but also to stay, successful.
How do you prepare your new shoot?
Everything starts with a concept that I create, by something I got inspired by. I then put together a team of who I believe will be a perfect fit for this particular concept.
I think it is really important for everyone to get aligned with the concept, before shooting, and to get everyone excited about the concept. Every team member can then prepare accordingly. I often like to also do the wardrobe styling, so I would search for interesting outfits that suits my style as well as the style of the model, so (s)he can fully embody the clothes.
I find a suitable location, I draw a timeline and try to organize everything well, because a good preparation gives me peace. However, some things are left to chance, because I also believe in the art of improvising.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration could come from any place, for example from various artists’ work from different disciplines, things I see, conversations that I have, books that I read or art exhibitions I visit. I also write poetry and lately I tend to use my poems as a source of inspiration. This particular editorial, ‘Ravenous Moon’ has also been inspired by a poem. You can read it here below.
This sacred place within, has been neglected for too long.
This submissive inner piece within, now destined to become dominant, lifelong.
A ravenous moon beast, patiently waiting to come out…
Caged for too long, tamed for too long, tyrannized for too long…
These bars have always been too thin, to imprison this hairy existence within.
It is time to come out… wherever you are.
Nothing will be hidden forever









