![LUST for LIFE](https://cdn.magzter.com/1343679896/1714408701/articles/DCoxmhm9-1716816880221/LUST-FOR-LIFE.jpg)
French photographer Philippe Shangti was born in Toulouse in 1983 but moved to St-Tropez in the early 2000s, and the seaside resort's legendary, stylish excess had a profound influence on the future art world star. He has even referred to St-Tropez as his muse. "Coming from a humble background and having a very wholesome nature, his new life on the French Riviera was a shock." as his official bio puts it. "All the debauchery and opulence of parties and luxury inspired the artist's initial creations." And they continue to do so. This can be seen most prominently in his epic series of works dedicated to other top sybaritic destinations around the world, as well as the seven deadly sins. "Philippe expresses his vision of the sins through different photographic artworks, both bold and provocative, that have ultimately given birth to his futuristic and out-of-standard artistic concepts in settings as sensual as they are refined."
There is no shortage of beautiful women, or cameos by brands including Armand de Brignac, Cohiba, Fendi, and Rolex in the large-scale works, which he recently showed during Art Basel Miami, his first appearance at the annual extravaganza (he has also exhibited at the Venice Biennale, among others). We recently spoke to the photographic provocateur about his extraordinary oeuvre.
Is photography your favorite mediums, What draws you to it?
Photography is indeed my favorite medium because it allows me to capture reality through my own lens. What attracts me is its ability to immortalize a moment while giving me the freedom to transform it into a surreal or critical vision of our society. I also use other mediums, such as sculpture or tag, or even video.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![150 YEARS of SUPERYACHTS STYLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1143/1682596/NjmdSIMnX1716817372935/150-YEARS-OF-SUPERYACHTS-STYLE.jpg)
150 YEARS of SUPERYACHTS STYLE
Here's why Benetti's expensive-but-worth-it vessels have been favored by the beautiful people, from James Bond to Donald Trump, David Bowie and Jay-Z
![KING of the PRANCING HORSES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1143/1682596/7BVVMjE7r1716817093546/KING-OF-THE-PRANCING-HORSES.jpg)
KING of the PRANCING HORSES
The extremely sought-after Ferrari 250 series-including the sales record-setting 250 GTO-are the most valuable cars that money can buy
![LUST for LIFE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1143/1682596/DCoxmhm9-1716816880221/LUST-FOR-LIFE.jpg)
LUST for LIFE
French photographer Philippe Shangti's world of lush, sometimes lurid seenes isn't always what it seems
![A CENTURY of MOROCCAN STYLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1143/1682596/gzU0UCPlA1716816585184/A-CENTURY-OF-MOROCCAN-STYLE.jpg)
A CENTURY of MOROCCAN STYLE
The legendary La Mamounia in Marrakech unveils a multimillion-dollar renovation on the occasion of its 100th anniversary
![SPRITZ & SPREZZATURA](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1143/1682596/WAz5ik_x71716816313819/SPRITZ-SPREZZATURA.jpg)
SPRITZ & SPREZZATURA
Everything you need to know about the evolution of the spritz, which has gone beyond bitter into vibrant, refreshing and eclectic
![APEX PREDATOR](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1143/1682596/U2_HAGOl61716816099814/APEX-PREDATOR.jpg)
APEX PREDATOR
Driving the new GT 63 supercar across the hills of Spain reveals Mercedes-AMG only made a great supercar better
![HAPPIEST ANNIVERSARIES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1143/1682596/PcpP0jwC-1716815887432/HAPPIEST-ANNIVERSARIES.jpg)
HAPPIEST ANNIVERSARIES
When it comes to fine smokes, \"anniversario\" blends just keep getting better with time
![THE RAZOR'S EDGE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1143/1682596/yylXTVdsD1716815692162/THE-RAZORS-EDGE.jpg)
THE RAZOR'S EDGE
Collectors are taking note of William Henry's nextlevel pocket knives, the ultimate in luxury cutting tools
![LIGHTS, CAMERA ,ACTION!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1143/1682596/rebZQUa-p1716815579036/LIGHTS-CAMERA-ACTION.jpg)
LIGHTS, CAMERA ,ACTION!
A conversation with Emmy-winning cinematographer and director Keyan Safyari
![ROLLIN' THUNDER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1143/1682596/EUWYxxLgT1716815445388/ROLLIN-THUNDER.jpg)
ROLLIN' THUNDER
Malaysia's Rollin Machine crafts a world-class tribute to the Royal Enfield Interceptor