'As an Afro-Indigenous Brazilian photographer, my existence and work are already political.'
—Rafael PavarottiBrazilian artist Rafael Pavarotti (b. 1993) grew up in a small village near the Amazon rainforest before living in metropolises later in his life. His identity as Afro-Indigenous and his nomadic trajectory have profoundly impacted his visual narrative and personal engagement. This is reflected in his fashion photography, which he uses as a means to address socio-political issues. Originally published as part of the story ‘In the Mood for Nobility’ in Vogue Hommes, R€I$, the work offered here, presents a striking close up of a model in nobility-inspired fashion as a representation of ancestral origin, challenging the underrepresentation of black figures in both fashion and wider historical narratives. The title is formed by the Portuguese word for ‘king’ and multi-national currency symbols, linking his birthplace to the places he has been living more recently and merging the cultures that have influenced his life and work. The artist’s bold use of colour – the crisp white against the dark black and the dramatic pops of vibrant blue and red – and soft focus imbue the work with an otherworldly quality. Debuting at auction, Pavarotti has printed the image on offer in the largest size that it will ever be released, exclusively for ULTIMATE.