Artwork: Gérard Rancinan

At first glance you could quite easily mistake one of Rancinan’s photographs for a Renaissance oil painting by one of the Italian masters, not out of place in the National Gallery: a large number of people all striking, well, strikingly striking poses, surrounded by a plethora of symbolic objects and wearing minimal clothing.

But then, just as you’re about to walk away to grab an over-priced smoked salmon bagel from the gallery canteen, something catches your eye. One guy’s wearing a Prada T-shirt; some girl’s got a D&G belt; and is that a Shell barrel the big guy is sitting on?

His work is a commentary on the state of humanity, and it doesn’t take Brian Sewell to work out it ain’t exactly a pat on the back.

Jean-David Malat, art critic and director of the Opera Gallery, summarises Rancinan’s appeal: “He is truly one of the best photographers of our generation. He is a monster of energy, always looking for the next crazy project and I feel Rancinan will become a staple in the history of art photography for generations to come.”

Prints are available from £30,000-£100,000 at Opera Gallery London, 134 New Bond St, W1S 2TF; 0207 491 2999; operagallery.com