ARTIST TALK: MARK MANN, KLASSIC CARELLA, & JOSE SEBASTIAN

Mark Mann is a renowned celebrity and advertising photographer who originally hails from the sun-soaked streets of Glasgow, Scotland. The countless list of famous faces photographed in Mann’s unique and recognizable style includes President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton, Iggy Pop, Rihanna, Martin Scorsese, Jennifer Aniston, Stevie Wonder, Eartha Kitt, Robin Williams, Emma Stone, Billy Murray, Jessica Lange, Arthur Miller, Margot Robber, Robert Redford, Queen Latifah, Michael Douglas, Gillian Anderson, Dave Chappelle, Olivia Wilde, Bradley Cooper, Willie Nelson, Sean Connery and many more. Mark’s editorial work has appeared in Esquire, Men’s Health, Vibe, Spin, Fortune Billboard, Parade, and Complex, and his clients include Reebok, Adidas, Hennessey, Bombay Sapphire, Pepsi, Gillette, Vitamin Water, NHL, Zumba, Ford, Chrysler, and Svedka to name a few.

Always hungry for new subjects and challenges, Mark has spearheaded his own projects over the years, one of which was creating a collection of LUCHA LIBRE wrestlers. Where all the photographers were shot on a vintage Graflex camera using polaroid instant film. Most recently he was struck by the contract of dancing bodies to his traditional portraits in a new body of work which culminated in a book titled, Movement at The Still Point: an Ode to Dance published by Rizzoli International in March 2023.

Mark was born in in Glasgow, where he lived until he was accepted to the prestigious photographic program at Manchester Polytechnic. Upon graduating mark was immediately taken under the wing by innovative fashion photographers, Nick Knight and Miles Aldridge, where he learned the ropes and quickly built his own body of work. Three years later, Mark started shooting on his own and relocated to New York City where 26 years later he still lives with his wife and son, and their recently adopted Chihuahua, Shaq.

https://www.markmannphoto.com/

Joseph "Klassic" Carella is a renowned figure in the world of flexn, known for his exceptional talent and dedication to the art form. With a passion for teaching and sharing his expertise, he has traveled extensively across the globe, conducting workshops, classes and performing to inspire and educate aspiring flexers. 

In addition to his teaching endeavors, Joseph "Klassic" Carella has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry through his appearances in various TV shows and music videos such as "So You Think You Can Dance", "Showtime At The Apollo", "MTV Awards" "BET Awards", "PBS: Third Rail With Ozy", And many more. His dynamic presence and unique style have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him recognition as a versatile performer with a flair for creativity and innovation. Whether he is showcasing his skills on screen or guiding students through the intricacies of flexn, Joseph "Klassic" Carella continues to leave a lasting impression with his talent, passion, and commitment to the art form. 

Klassic is currently commissioned by Works & Process, and has been to several artistic residencies such as : "Guild Hall", "Kaatsbaan", Bridge Street Theatre", "Catskills", "Jacobs Pillow" and many others.  His contributions have not only elevated the status of flexn, but have also inspired countless individuals to pursue their own creative passions with dedication and enthusiasm.

Photo: Mark Mann

Jose Sebastian is the founder and artistic director of the Hampton’s Dance Project (HDP), which calls on a diverse team of top-flight dancers from ABT and master choreographers to present dynamic new works that push the boundaries of classical dance. Sebastian started his dance training at age eight with the School of American Ballet and continued training there for nearly 10 years. Sebastian joined ABT Studio Company in 2006. He joined American Ballet Theater as an apprentice in January 2009 and became a member of the corps de ballet in January 2010. In 202, Sebastian was appointed director of ABT Incubator, ABT’s choreographic workshop program for inspiring the creation of new work.

https://hamptonsdanceproject.org/

Anthony Madonna is an interdisciplinary collaborative artist, educator, and creative producer, Anthony strives to construct experiences that both critically challenge our individual beliefs and bring awareness to our responsibility as a community. 

This ambition has led him to work in various roles and contexts: a music-theater workshop leader amongst diverse age groups and learning developments; a music practitioner within hospitals and rehabilitation centers; a concert and festival producer; a composer/performer of experimental vocal works; and a collaborative installation artist. Anthony has worked within institutions such as The McCarter Theatre Center, The Juilliard School, and the Barbican Centre. His projects have been shown and/or performed as part of the Tate Modern: Tate Exchange (London), the Barbican Centre’s Dialogue, UnFinished, and Curious festivals (London), Guild Hall of East Hampton (Long Island, NY), and The Arts Center at Duck Creek (Long Island, NY).

Anthony currently serves as the Patti Kenner Director of Learning + New Works at Guild Hall of East Hampton. In this role he manages all Guild Hall (GH) initiatives on site, and in schools, the Guild Hall Teen Arts Council (the first paid teen arts program in the region), and Guild Hall’s three residency programs: the Guild Hall William P. Rayner Artist-in-Residence program; Community Artist-in-Residence program; and the Guild Hall & Bel Canto Bootcamp Resident Artist series.

Anthony is a graduate of the Beth Morrison Projects Producer Academy, the Guildhall School of Music & Drama (M.M. Music Leadership), The Juilliard School’s Professional Apprenticeship Program, and Westminster Choir College (B.M. Music Education & Vocal Performance).

https://www.anthonymadonna.com

Photo: Jessica Dalene Photography