Mexican born and based photographer Jaime Martinez is pushing boundaries with his experimental art work. From his darkly foreboding women, to his energetic live music montages to his inspiring and witty animated gifs, 31 year old Martinez’s photography betrays a unique new angle. His surreal images invoke a dream like state where absurdity reigns and a romantically haunting atmosphere prevails. The vividness of colour in Martinez’s photography is reminiscent of the traditional sun drenched Mexican backdrop, and his images seem to come to life with all the vigor of Mexican culture, portraying joy in movement and discovery. Here, Martinez talks to Dazed about his boundless imagination, the thrall of mystery and the frustrated rock star within…

Dazed Digital: How long have you been a photographer?
Jaime Martinez: Amateur since 13 years old, but I've been working professionally since I was 27.

DD: What inspired you to take up photography?
JM: The people that I like, women. To catch and preserve the moments I live, but mainly to invent those moments that exist in my dreams and imaginations. I like to build micro-tales without specific answers.

DD: What are you working on at the moment?
JM: This week I'm taking fashion photos for a lookbook of clothes. I'm also making more animated gifs, and reading some essays because I'm taking classes about contemporary photography.

DD: What is the message in your work?
JM: I'm still not sure. I just know that I want to create more questions than answers. I like mysteries.

DD: You photograph a lot of live music acts. How does music influence your work?
JM: I think I'm a frustrated rock star, I would love to have the ability to play a guitar and sing. Instead of that I go to the concerts I like and take photos of the people doing the things I can't, it is my way to collaborate with them in a way. That is when I attend a concert. On the other hand, when I'm at home working on my computer, listening to the music I like, it influences treatment and manipulations I do to the photos I'm working on.

DD: What/who has been the most memorable/fun live act to photograph?
JM: Kap Bambino, HEALTH, Au Revoir Simone, Cobra Killer.

DD: Your animated gifs add an interesting third dimension to your photography. What inspired you to do this?
JM: I started to do my first attempts with my digital camera, but then some months ago I found one of those vintage 3D cameras. The first inspiration was to do the "same photos" I have been doing for years but  with another touch, to make them alive. But then I realized I didn't want to repeat the same photos, but to find specific moments and situations that look impressive with this technique. It doesn't work with all situations.

DD: What are your plans for the future?
JM: Concerning the animated gifs I want to keep experimenting until I get tired of it, the animated gifs are just a part of my search for my style. I want to keep doing "regular" photography and worry less about the technique and more about the theme and the impact of the photo. More than a photographer I want to be someone who can create visual images.