'Visual artist inspired by existential themes. Freedom narratives. Ultimately by the elemental chiaroscuro in life & art'


The Escape Artist
I have two websites - the other is strictly for business purposes, catering to corporate clients and serving as the bread and butter of my work.
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On this website, I showcase my passion for street photography, art, and experimental work, displaying the best of my photojournalism and commissioned projects. Here, I reflect on career highlights and low points, share my methodologies, videos, and my signature images. It's a place where I write, muse upon past, present and future, rekindle amazing memories, and scheme future plans and projects. I use this platform to engage with my social media followers and tie all my escape routes together, presenting the reasons behind my choices and philosophy. I call myself 'The Escape Artist,' as I've always sought to jump fences, shun the trappings of convention, and pursue a life of creativity and adventure through photography.
If you look at my LIFE CHRONOLOGY, you'll notice a restless soul index. In my teens, I knew that I wanted a life of adventure but didn't fully anticipate the repercussions of devoting myself to a tangle of incongruous paths and discordant chapters. Although I've been consistently inconsistent in matters of the heart, place, business, and relationships, I've been steadfast in my desire for change, risk, fun, and greener pastures. Ultimately, I've become an itinerant drifter, but I have no regrets, and I hope that the work I present on this website will inspire and motivate anyone with an interest in photography to become an Escape Artist.
Richard Mark Dobson
Taipei Tawian
2023
LIFE CHRONOLOGY
1963
Born. Bradford, England
1975 – 1985
Johannesburg South Africa
1985 – 1989
London
1990 – 1997
Hong Kong
1997 – 1999
Johannesburg South Africa
2000
New York
2001 – 2003
Cape Town South Africa
2004
Paris
2005
Cape Town
2006
Seoul
2007-2008
Cape Town
2008-2016
Saigon Vietnam
2017
Phuket
2018-2022
Penang Malaysia
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2023
Taipei Taiwan/Philippines
Clients
Published Editorial
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GEO (Germany), GEO (France), GEO Special (Germany),GEO (Russia) GEO Saison (Germany),Frankfurter Algemeine Zeitung, Financial Times (UK), National Geographic Adventure (USA), National Geographic Traveler (USA), Toyota Infront Magazine (UK), Landrover ONELife Mag (UK) Guardian (UK), Restaurant Magazine (UK), Guardian on Sunday (UK), MERIAN Magazine (Germany), 100 Ideas Jardin (France), Conde Nast Traveler (USA), Air France Madam (France), Outside Magazine (USA), World Traveler (USA), New York Times, Departures (USA), International Herald Tribune, New York Times, Asia Inc (Hong Kong) Discovery (HK), Expression (Amex Publishing), Islands Magazine (USA), Forbes Magazine (USA),Travel & Leisure (USA) Town & Country (USA),Orient Magazine (Hong Kong), Morning Calm (Korean Air), Silk Road (Dragon Air) Business Traveller (Hong Kong), Business Traveller (UK), Mandarin Oriental (HK), Outside Magazine (USA) Lufthansa Magazine (Germany).
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Published Advertising
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Couldrey Jones (Hong Kong),Thompson’s (HK),Thompson’s Megacom (HK), Couldrey Jones (HK),Couldrey Jones (HK), BATES Advertising (Thailand), Old Shanghai Firecracker Factory (South Africa),Grey Advertising (SA), BLGK BATES Advertising (HK), Ogilvy & Mather (SA), Mc Cann Erickson (SA), Network (SA), Saatchi & Saatchi (SA), SMLB Leo Burnett (SA), The Agency (SA), Grey Advertising (SA), DMB&B (SA), King James Advertising (SA), Ogilvy & Mather (SA), TBWA Fusion (SA), TBWA Paris Nissan Z350 ‘cops’ Cannes ’05,, TBWA Paris Spontex Cannes Silver ’05,TBWA Fusion, Jupiter Drawing Room (SA), Joe Public (SA).
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Published Corporate
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Shanghai Tang, Business Enterprises Dong Fang Hotel Brochure China, HKTDC (Hong Kong Trade Development Council) Hill & Knowlton H.K. Ltd, Re-Act Communications Credit Lyonnaise, Hilton Hotel Hong Kong, Dalat Resorts Inc, Dalat Pine Lake Golf Course, Island Shangri-La Hotel. Hong Kong, Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong, Park Lane Hotel Hong Kong, DWC Tang Development China Club-Peking, International Herald Tribune China Summit-Beijing, DWC Tang Development. China Club Peking, Shanghai Tang Hong Kong, International Herald Tribune-Korea Summit, Stocks Leisure Resorts. Bakubung, Kwa Maritane, Andersen Consulting (SA),TheYamuThailand,Movenpick Jordan.,Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Centre, PearlValle golf estate Cape Town, New World Hotel Saigon, Ramana Hotel Saigon, DWP Saigon, Veolia Water Systems,, Ale Heavy Lift UK, Strategic Marine Australia. Aqua Expeditions, Accor Hotels. Pullman, Sofitel. Vestas. EDF Renewables. UPC Renewables.
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NGO’s
Greenpeace Africa, Medicine Sans Frontiers, British Red Cross.
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Books
Karoo Moons ‘A photographic journey’.
NEONOPOLIS
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