BLACK CAN BE BEAUTIFUL

Laurent and I went to the «Maison Européenne de la Photographie» this morning. A few friends had seen the different photographers and had commented favorably and sure enough there were two out of four who were worth it. The collection of Brazilian photographers did not really «do anything for me». So many photographs are changed, stretched, turned into something else which I can't describe as photography. Gadgets and many techniques which have been seen before. Colour which is retouched and is no longer real. I certainly prefer black and white.

Dominique Isserman and his photographs of Laetitia Casta gives another vision of this top model, actress and beauty. Over three days he photographed her in a thermal spa. Naked. Naked or dressed she is a beauty but only some of the photos (there were 30) were memorable from my point of view. There is certainly a sense of abandon in «her performance» but there is also a very strong feeling of «posing» for the picture. 

Dominique Isserman - Laetitia Casta



The photographer that really interested me was William Ropp. He lives in France and has quite obviously been influenced by his work in the theatre. His photos are dark and dramatic. Mysterious faces.  No one seems to be very happy or cheerful. Especially the children. Their expressions with their eyes wide are sometimes quite frightening. Yet the work is compelling. There was a video of portraits which in many respects was more interesting that the 20 photos in the gallery. Man, woman, or child had the same wide expression like a moving collage. Hypnotic and somehow naked of all external artifact.

William Ropp
William Ropp



Commentaires

Lo a dit…
Guess what? Dominique Issermann IS a woman and she used to go out with Leonard Cohen (hence, the translation at the entrance of the room). And the "Thermes de Vals" where the photos were taken are in Switzerland.
1/3/12 17:53
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