Meet the Artist: Darren Smith Pt. 1
Q1: What inspired the idea behind Mayflies and its journey around the world?
Growing up in small-town America, my experience of human culture was narrow and shaped by strict values. I was always curious about what else was out there. So, when I got the chance, I moved far from home with my camera, seeking a broader spectrum of humanity and experience.
Q2: Which event or festival stands out to you the most and why?
The Vevcani Carnival in North Macedonia stands out to me for its blend of tradition and innovation, dating back 1,000 years. Locals create intricate, hand-made masks and costumes, often representing mythological creatures, animals, or political themes. Unlike other festivals, it’s unplanned, allowing for free expression and movement around the entire village.
My studio was set up in the town square, giving me a front-row seat to the two-day spectacle. It’s an unforgettable experience, a glimpse into how tradition and modernity can co-exist, and I recommend it to everyone!
Q3: Can you describe the moment you knew you had to capture these communities through photography?
Moving to Amsterdam as a professional photographer and artist, I began to photograph the remarkable communities (at their events and gathering) that seemed to flourish within the city’s more liberal landscape. The first images I captured there sparked the idea and desire to broaden my photographic search to other community driven events and settings where radical self expression was inherent value within that sub-culture.
Q4: With so many amazing photos, how difficult was it to narrow down 52 images for the Flick Solitaire Mayflies Deck?
Narrowing down the 52 images for the Flick Solitaire Mayflies Deck was a challenge, given I photographed over 1,000 people across seven years. I couldn't have done it alone, so I enlisted the help of Stuart Smith, one of the UK’s top photo editors. Together, we reduced 500 images to 122 for the book, and the Mayflies deck comes from that collection.
The best way to select photos is by printing them all out and viewing the material side by side. The final selection happened in a single afternoon— I laid the cards out by suit and organically arranged the photos into a sequence.
Q5: What is your favourite image in the Mayflies Deck and why? Impossible, we know!
As a photographer, I form a bond with each person and moment I capture. The Ace of Spades is my favourite; it feels unexpectedly alive. She’s a kid who embodies an adult presence — a real-life Wednesday Addams.
Q6: Who is your favourite Flick artist and deck, and why?
Rafiki. I like the simplicity of the lines and fun characters on the face cards.
Q7: How does it feel to see your photography in a new medium like Flick Solitaire?
Extremely rewarding. Photography and playing cards create a beautiful medium together. As soon as you see a card, especially if it’s a face card, juxtaposed with a person, it forms a unique relationship. The interplay of those forces is the basis for this deck.
We’ve also designed the deck in such a way, that playing different games will allow you to experience the cards in a different way, due the difference of scale in each photo. Other decks do this too, but the visual complexity the photographs adds a layer of interest for you to discover.
Q8: Where can everyone get their hands on the Mayflies photobook?
Mayflies available online: mayfliesbook.com. It’s published by Lecturis, and distributed internationally by IDEA Books, so you can find it in bookstores or request it if it’s not in stock. We’ll also be at international book and photo fairs across continental Europe, making it even easier to get a copy!
Q9: How did you manage to create such an intimate connection with your subjects, despite the wild and energetic settings?
By fully immersing myself in their world. The studio was a container for them to feel at home.
Q10: What’s the most important part of your photography kit?
My backgrounds. They are hand-painted by my set design team in Amsterdam, Gloudy & Sons. We carefully match them to the outfits and event atmosphere, aiming for an impressive performance art feel. At the same time, they’re designed to fold up and fit inside a suitcase.
