Characters Reimagined: Super Flemish

Question: What if super heroes were born in 15th century Europe, and were painted by a Flemish painter? Answer: Super Flemish- Parisian painter, Sacha Goldberg’s, 5-year in the making labour of love. The photography project, hugely influenced by classical Flemish painting style, was the result of being raised by an antiquarian mother, in a home filled with Flemish art.

‘I did the characters I loved the most,’ Sacha explained to us. ‘Hulk, cat woman, all the star wars characters…’

This large scale production involved 12 hair and make up people, 5 costume makers, 6 assistants, 2 model casters, one ‘very precious’ casting director, 2 digital retouch artists, animal trainers, 60 actors, and several others who made up the 110 that helped to actualise Sacha’s vision.

We found out more about his super work:

The Plus: Sounds like it was a huge production! Did everything go smoothly?
Sacha Goldberg: There were many complicated things; like how can I find someone who looks like the Hulk? I remember when the animal trainer asked me if I really wanted to put a flange on the neck of the bird- we did!

TP: What kind of ideas do you hope to inspire with this series?
SG: I hope people will be touched by some of these characters. I think Hulk and cat woman are so romantic. They are the ones I have in my house.

TP: It took two years to complete. How did you know when it was truly over?
SG: You really know when the images are what you imagined, or better. Then it is time to move on to a new project.

TP: So what have you moved on to?
SG: I am shooting a series about family in the 50’s, with actors and huge scenes. It’s great fun.