Canadian-born artist Raphael Mazzucco's visual narrative captures the human form against a backdrop of startling landscapes that span the continents, from Icelandic glaciers to African wildlife and Vietnamese rice paddies. By layering paint, photography, and hand-lettered text, Raphael takes viewers on a documentary-style journey through geographic and emotional terrains.

His work layers photography with text and natural elements such as flowers and leaves, and Raphael's pieces spring from lengthy expeditions where he lives and breathes his subjects. Raphael's working life actually began as a footballer in Canada and England; something which he credits with giving him the drive to become successful in the next stage of his life. After being shot by iconic photographer Bruce Weber for a Calvin Klein campaign, Raphael developed an interest in the art form and left sport behind.