A collection of one-of-one artworks created by Julius Jooste
The one-of-one collection is a space for me to showcase pieces of work that aren't necessarily tied by theme, motive or concept. Instead, this collection allows me to share some of my favourite images freely and without hesitation.
For now, I am only making them available as NFTs. But in all likelihood, an IRL (In Real Life) collection consisting of physical pieces may be added in due course. Naturally, holders of one of the NFTs in this collection will be given first-option to purchase when the time comes. Be sure to join my discord server to stay up to date on the latest news about this collection and others.
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The story behind the name 'White Electric Wind' is an interesting one which found its way to me while conversing with a friend during the early morning hours while living on the island of Ibiza.
I had been somewhat familiar with the Mayan Zodiac. But had never gotten as thorough an explanation as I received from her. It was explained that my essence, the metaphysical building blocks of my soul, consisted of the cosmic winds responsible for life, change and growth throughout the universe.
I would only find a visual representation of this concept many years later: A 30-second exposure of a fire dancer's movement as he moved through a festival on a wine farm in Cape Town. I knew that what I had captured resonated with a very deep part of me.
In the days that followed the event, I carved away at the image in my post-production software. The techniques used varied from photo to photo. And as I experimented with a favorite black and white style of mine, the piece finally revealed itself to me.
It would take another 21 months before I would develop a method to fully represent my Mayan Zodiac in its truest visual form.
Date Taken: 11 December 2021
Location: Nelson's Creek, Cape Town, South Africa
Photographer: Julius Jooste
In the early morning hours of a hot Ibiza summer's night, I ventured into the world's largest club with my camera to see what I would find. From wall to wall the venue was packed with droves of people, all of them set on having a good time and discovering the new music their beloved headliners had curated for the experience.
Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, the light show drew my attention to a troop of dancers, dressed to the nines in exorbitant costumes. And as the beat was about to drop, they prepared to let loose in a fury of explosive movements. As they launched their coordinated choreographic attack, to crowd swooned at the sheer rebelliousness of it all.
Date Taken: 18 August 2018
Location: Privilege Nightclub, Ibiza, Spain
Photographer: Julius Jooste
I've photographed Javi, the acrobat depicted in this photo, in Ibiza for about six years. His performances where always at night and for the most part at indoor venues where he'd be drenched from head to toe in high quality artificial light.
It wasn't until his visit to Cape Town that I got to see his daytime performance. It remained as spellbinding as ever. But with one addition: a large white piece of thick linen which was suspended from the crane above him. He used it to move in a manner that I had never witnessed before. He folded it around his legs and torso for one pose and then around his arms and shoulders for the next. From there he hid inside the contraption and performed in a way I can only explain as silhouetted-suspensions. It was unlike any other performance of his that I had ever seen before.
It wasn't until I got to develop the images afterwards that I noticed the reaction the bright African day light had on the white linen sheet. It was abstract yet familiar and reminded me very much of baby breaking through its placenta as it entered this world, a birthing of sorts.
The moral I walked away with from this experience is that even though one can spend a lot of time with a person, it is still very possible (and likely) that they can and will surprise you. And when that happens, it should be appreciated and celebrated because it can take a relationship to a deeper place.
Date Taken: 3 November 2018
Location: Grand Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
Photographer: Julius Jooste
This photo is one of my favourites. It speaks to the unpredictability of life and serves as a reminder that huge setbacks can be used as launch pads for major success.
This photo was taken while out for a stroll one Wednesday evening. I had known that this island was celebrating San Bartolome (Saint Bartlome) throughout the week but was unaware that a firework show was scheduled to commence at sunset. As the sunlight was slowly fading, a mob of costumed performers set onto the square and started fighting one another with fireworks: Some were sparklers, others were handheld canons, though most of them were flares of sorts tied atop a pole which fell onto their holders as the celebrations commenced.
It was a remarkable spectacle. One which I managed to witness quite closely through my camera because I navigated my way through the crowds of tourists and performers without distracting anyone from the action. A single misstep could have resulted in severe burns and/or injury to myself or anyone else for that matter.
The depicted image reminded me about the catalysts I had experienced in my life.
How they eventually lead me towards my bliss.
Bitter sweet experiences from this time of my life come to mind:
- A very difficult breakup which ultimately lead to me visiting Ibiza for the first time.
- A stress-related NDE which essentially allowed me to get out of the corporate world and into a career as a freelance photographer.
- Unhealthy business relationships I had to let go of which, in retrospect, allowed me to start a five - six journey towards intentional and much needed emotional recovery
All of it was messy and very seldom had any structure to it. But the experiences allowed me to cultivate patience and the ability to trust my instincts and my path. Since learning this, I've been able to live my life in happier, more peaceful and genuinely authentic way.
Date Taken: 24 August 2016
Location: Port of San Antonio, Ibiza, Spain
Photographer: Julius Jooste
Having been the official photographer for La Troya, one of the world's longest running LGBT events, has been one of the most liberating and enriching experiences of my creative carreer. The assignment allowed me to set aside any prejudices I may have had and showed me what living in harmony with one another could be like. I am eternally grateful to the La Troya family. They taught me what acceptance, tolerance, patience and love really looked like. Their message of "love is love" still stays with me and will be a part of me long after I am dead an buried.
For this image, I did not follow my usual photo assignment workflow. No studio, no pre-production meetings and no renting of professional strobe lights. Nada.
Instead, this image was taken off the cuff in the lobby of an Ibiza hotel while the performers were promoting one of their events. Delphina, the performer in front of the camera, did her own make up and prepared her own costume ( a skill, I might add, she is exceptional at). We took this shot while waiting to gain access to the venue.
The original negative has a gray see through curtain for a background and trough it you can see the hotel's gym equipment and odd pieces of furniture. That I managed to get this shot with only my flash and a dab of sunlight remains a blessing.
Nonetheless, I instantly knew that with the right post-production technique, this images had the potential to becomes something iconic. It took me five years to learn the skills required to do an edit that I was satisfied with. But now that I can see the end result, the effort and sacrifices it took to bring this piece to fruition feels like it has been worth it.
Date Taken: 02 August 2017
Location: Ibiza, Spain
Photographer: Julius Jooste
The confetti in the image seemed to dance and twirl in the air, caught in the moment of pure joy and celebration. It was the spark behind my collection called "Paso a Paso," a nod to the carefree spirit and energy of the scene captured in the photo.
The image was taken in Space Ibiza, the world's most-awarded club, during its final season in 2016. The legendary club had been a staple of the island's nightlife for decades, attracting some of the biggest names in electronic music to its stage.
But on this particular night, the club played host to La Troya, one of the world's longest-running LGBTQ events. The party was in full swing, with people of all genders and sexual orientations dancing and embracing under the pulsing lights.
As I snapped the photo, I knew it was special. The colors of the confetti, the joy on the faces of the revelers, and the energy of the moment all came together perfectly. It was a celebration of love, acceptance, and the power of community.
And so, with this image as my inspiration, I began work on my Paso a Paso collection. It was a tribute to the vibrant, diverse, and inclusive spirit of La Troya and the club that had played host to so many unforgettable nights.
Through my designs, I wanted to capture the energy and joy of the scene in the photo, and bring a little bit of that magic to the world. And as I worked, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that this one image had sparked something truly special.
Date Taken: 29 September 2016
Location: Space, Ibiza, Spain
Photographer: Julius Jooste
This image of an acrobat performing at Heart Ibiza brings back fond memories. In the background, projected on the theatre walls are quotes from some of humanity's most beloved creatives. It is a source of encouragement and a reminder for me to always listen to my heart.
Heart Ibiza was a renowned venue that was the epicentre of the island's art scene during its run. From seven to twelve it operated as a high-end restaurant, offering patrons delicious food and exceptional service. But at midnight, the venue transformed into a vibrant nightclub, attracting party-goers from all over the island.
I was lucky enough to be invited by Heart to take photos for them in an official capacity for this assignment. The experience was unforgettable, and to this day, it fills my heart with joy to think back on it. It was an incredible feeling to be recognized as a leader in my field by a fellow peer, and it only served to further fuel my passion for photography.
I hope that this piece of art, with its bold letters and pulsing heart, will inspire others to follow their own hearts at all costs. Whether it's pursuing a passion, chasing a dream, or simply living life to the fullest, may this image remind you to never give up on what truly matters to you.
Date Taken: 28 September 2016
Location: Heart, Ibiza, Spain
Photographer: Julius Jooste