biography

Ilan derech

Ilan Derech is a multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges the worlds of street photography and cinematography, distilling the essence of everyday life into visual poetry. Born in 1990 in Mexico, Derech's artistic journey took on new depth following a period of personal struggle and transformation after the loss of his father. Photography became a lifeline, a way for him to reconnect with the world and appreciate its fleeting moments, leading to a deeply personal approach to his arT.



Derech’s work is inspired by the structure of haikus, translating their brevity and depth into a cinematic experience. Just as a haiku captures a moment in three lines and seventeen syllables, his films channel the beauty of the mundane into three-panel compositions, each lasting 17 seconds. These visual triptychs loop seamlessly, inviting viewers to slow down and immerse themselves in the subtleties of each scenE.

His approach romanticizes everyday moments, turning the ordinary into something profound. Whether capturing the bustling streets of Tokyo on a rainy night or the gentle flicker of a candle in a Kyoto temple, Derech’s work emphasizes mindfulness. By slowing time and stripping away the chaos of modern life, he creates a space where viewers can savor each detail, much like the powerful imagery evoked through a haiku. This philosophy encourages a mindful appreciation of life's small, often overlooked moments, transforming them into cinematic experiences that resonate deeplY.



Blending his background in travel and street photography, Derech captures candid, unposed scenes that feel both intimate and universal. His work is a tribute to life’s quieter, softer side, offering an invitation to pause, reflect, and find beauty in simplicity【12†source】. Through this lens, he creates visual stories that resonate with the depth and timelessness of Japanese aesthetics, enriching the art world with his distinctive narrative voice.

Interview with PUNKCAST

Portfolio

His portfolio includes collaborations with brands such as Leica, National Geographic, Air Canada, and Sony, and is a global ambassador for ZEISS Camera Lenses and VIVO Telecommunications.

exhibitions

Medici Collection Times Square - NYC
Hacker House - NYC, Tel Aviv, Lisbon, & Stockholm
ZEISS Camera Lenses HQ - Germany
Soumaya Museum - Mexico City