Gregory Crewdson

The Unordinary in the Ordinary

Gregory Crewdson is an internationally acclaimed New York-based art photographer. Working much like a feature film director, he uses a cinematic production team to control every detail within the frame, creating surrealistic scenes charged with mystery and uncertainty.

Crewdson’s work has been displayed worldwide, with major exhibitions at the Albertina Museum, Gagosian Gallery and the Galerie d’Italia — just to name a few.

Prior to this collaboration, Crewdson has been on our radar for his captivating images that feel like moments suspended in time. This year’s Artistic License™ Series features eight photos hand-selected by Crewdson from his personal archive of work. Now, they’re yours to collect — find them printed on our bags.

Read on for an exclusive interview with the artist whose work captures the unordinary in the ordinary.

A: What inspires you as an artist?

GC: In the warm months, I do long-distance open water swimming, and in the winter, I cross-country ski — systematically, ritualistically, religiously, every day. Both these activities are meditative for me. The slow, methodical repetitive motion and being immersed in nature puts me in the right mindset for creative thought. All my ideas spring from those two things.

A: Where does your creative process begin?

GC: The process always begins with location scouting. I drive around in search of a certain landscape, something that feels outside of time, familiar and ordinary but also formally beautiful. It's elusive what I'm looking for and hard to describe. But that part of the process is probably my favourite. It's filled with possibility. The pictures don't exist yet except in my head.

A: Your work is often described as cinematic. What draws you to photography as a way of expressing that sensibility?

GC: I was compelled from early on in my career, and even as a student, to attempt to bring the worlds of cinema and still photography together in my work. It has to do with how much I love movies and how much they inspire me, and also the way that I inherently think in still images. My work is a coming together of those two things.

A: You’ve spoken previously about the importance of distance between you and your subject. What do you think this distance produces in your work?

GC: I am looking for a certain tension in the work — between the subject and their surroundings, other figures in the picture, and something else going on inside them — an inner sense of contemplation or longing or transcendence. I like to place the figures behind windows, in cars, on porches or within framing devices like doorways. We are often peering in on them from a remove. I feel ultimately that invites a connection with the viewer.

A: What questions or concerns continue to shape your practice?

GC: One of the things that has always inspired me is the way light can shape and create meaning in an otherwise ordinary situation. Light and colour are narrative codes in my work. I'm always fascinated with the way that light and colour can transform ordinary life.

A: Your photos are being featured on our 2026 bags. How do you hope Aritzia clients will engage with your work in that context?

GC: I was excited by the opportunity to have people interact with the work in a new way. I like the idea that Aritzia would introduce the images to people who might not be familiar with them and allow those who are familiar a chance to take one of them home in the form of a special bag. I really like the idea that Aritzia incorporates fine art into what they do — it's very cool.

The Artistic License™ Series

A love of great art has been central to our brand since its inception in 1984. But in 2005, we formalized that love by launching our Artistic License™ Series, a program through which we collaborate with artists to showcase their work in our boutiques, online and on our bags.

We love finding artists who push norms and inspire us with cutting-edge work. Each year, we aim to feature art completely different from what we’ve ever shown. Photography, oil painting, claymation, illustration, cinematic staging — we’re into it all, and we hope you are too.

Learn More

Aritzia Artistic License™ Series: The Exhibition Opening

Join us in the iconic Fred Segal building on Melrose to celebrate the opening of our Artistic License™ Series Exhibition Featuring Gregory Crewdson.

Special Feature
Artizia x CULTURED Young Artists Panel hosted by CULTURED Magazine’s Executive Editor Mara Veitch. Plus, an intimate cocktail hour to follow. Space is limited.

RSVP now to secure your spot

WHEN
Friday, February 27

6:00pm–9:00pm

WHERE
8100 Melrose Ave

Los Angeles, CA

90046, United States

Aritzia Artistic License™ Series Exhibition Featuring Gregory Crewdson

Gregory Crewdson’s photos will be displayed at the Fred Segal building on Melrose at our Giant Bag Exhibition. Join us for a weekend of art, food, drinks and good music.

WHEN
Saturday, February 28–Sunday, March 1
10:00am–7:00pm

WHERE
8100 Melrose Ave

Los Angeles, CA

90046, United States