Andrei Duman’s Project “Cluster” is a Visual Metaphor of Defiance
Photographer and Director Andrei Duman’s projects are always full of technical precision and conceptual ideation. His ongoing project, “Cluster”, brings both of those qualities together in striking images that explore defiance in the face of internal struggle. Andrei originally envisioned a single moment of standing up to an invisible force, but “Cluster” has evolved into a collection of images featuring elite athletes confronting a symbolic swarm of their own darker impulses.
Each image is a result of an intricate production and post-production process. Compiling hundreds of individual photographs layered into a powerful wave of movement. This commanding visual metaphor for anxiety, addiction, depression, or any other internal battle is deeply human and boldly conceptual. All of us on some level can relate to the feeling of staring down a rising storm but refusing to move.
Where did the original idea for “Cluster” come from?
I had been thinking about how I could visualize defiance in an image. I sort of set it as a challenge to myself. I brainstormed ways to depict that visually, and it evolved from just a few figures into a huge wave-like formation made of repeating versions of the same person. I wanted to make something that any viewer could relate to and resonate with.
Why did you choose to photograph athletes?
As an athlete, I know that there are particular internal battles that athletes face, pressure, anxiety, and self-doubt, so I knew that conceptually it made sense. I also thought athletes were interesting subjects because, despite their physical strength, they all have these worries inside. Sports come with such strong physical gestures, so I knew that I could build a visual narrative through sports.
How were you introduced to each of these athletes?
I had photographed Miles Chamely-Watson for another project so I pitched him the idea. It was a bit hard to explain, so I drew storyboard concepts to better represent the idea and from there he was totally bought in. I then reached out to Tommy Haas and showed him the image of Miles, and he thought it was a really cool idea and wanted to be involved. I posted those photos to social media and Sakura Kokumai commented that she really resonated with the project and wanted to be involved if I felt it connected creatively. I thought karate was a really interesting way to represent this inner fight, so we set up that shoot.
What were the production and post-production processes like?
This is a very technically complex project. I had to keep angles in mind the entire time I was shooting. Each of the images of the athlete in the wave side had to be positioned so their line of sight was looking at the single image opposite the wave. I had to keep position and lighting in mind that whole time, too. Then, I needed to individually select the images that best compiled together to create the wave and then the post-production team had to individually retouch each of those images. There was a lot of back and forth to make sure that it looked as accurate as possible.
What is next for “Cluster”?
I am always thinking of new sports or athletes that would be a good fit for this idea. I really want to do a water polo version, completely underwater. Imagine a swirling cluster of teammates with tangled limbs, and then a single player holding the ball away. It will be a technical challenge, but that’s sort of the appeal.