Mellow Dream challenges us to reevaluate how we interact with the world by providing a powerful reflection on the relationship between light, space, and perception. Fundamentally, the idea embraces imperfection as an essential component of the creative process rather than as a defect.
Perfection, crisp lines, faultless composition, and ideal lighting are frequently sought after in photography, but Mellow Dream reverses this tendency. It celebrates the unvarnished moments when a shadow’s blur or a light’s distortion speaks louder than exactitude.
Like the blurry nature of a dream, the flaws in the picture, whether a brief motion or the faint gleam of a shadow, become the very thing that characterizes it.
The fundamental tenet of this method is that our interpretation of a moment is influenced by the layers of context, light, and atmosphere in addition to what we can see. Light and space now have an emotional relationship rather than a mechanical one, with the surroundings gently changing to reflect the inner experience.
The overall result is one that goes beyond conventional ideas of beauty and challenges us to consider how we see the world—not as flawless observers but as flawed participants.
MELLOW DREAM BY PATRICK KIM
“My inspiration comes from a day in the life as a photographer and director. Right after just another day of working on a commercial set in Culver City, I got a chance to listen to a vinyl record with a hi-fi sound system at The Common Wave in Downtown Los Angeles.”
“The host played Ryo Fukui – Mellow Dream (Live at Vidro 1977). It was a fantastic experience for me to hear the sound of the piano, which stuck in my head. Also, I recently checked out Olafur Eliasson’s exhibition at The Museum of Contemporary Art.”
“I was intrigued by the relationship between light, space, and the spectators. My approach to picture-making is based on my inspirations, which are embracing imperfections and capturing in & out of a space.”
A story by Patrick Kim
Look 1
Balaclava: Miu Miu
Look 2
Coat: Acne Studio
Dress: Balenciaga
Look 3
Shirt: Saint Laurent
Underwear: Tom Ford
Look 4
Shirt: Tom Ford
Rollneck Sweater: Loro Piana
Underwear: Miu Miu
Look 5
Rollneck Sweater: Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Look 6
Bathrobe: Tekla
Look 7
Rollneck Sweater: Brunello Cucinelli
Underwear: Helsa
Look 8
Coat: Jil Sander
Tank Top: Saint Laurent
Shorts: Valentino
EDITORIAL TEAM CREDITS
Model: Hailey Barnett
Model Agency: Ford Models
Stylist, Photographer, Director: Patrick Kim
Hair Stylist: EJ Keshishian
Makeup Artist: Cherish Brooke Hill
Makeup Artist Agency: Forward Artists
