PHOTOQUAI 2015: World Photo Biennale Opens in Paris

Every two years Photoquai presents a free outdoor exhibition of the work of young or newly discovered photographers from around the world to promote a dialogue between contemporary photography and the viewing public.

Organised by the Musée de Quai Branly, under the helm of president Stéphane Martin, 400 photos by 40 photographers from Africa, the Far East, Europe and the Americas, respond to the theme “We Are Family”.

As the family continues to be at the centre of impassioned debates in society, artistic director Frank Kalero invites us to approach the theme not in the sense of a family album, but rather in the connecting thread linking a group of people, be it for religious, cultural or social reasons, who aspire to join together in a community. The works on show present a tremendously varied point of view.

Colombian photographer Juan Pablo Echeverri, presents “Supersonas”, his series of nude self-portraits, using only body paint to imagine… what if superheros needed to get passport photographs? The comic imagery belies a deeper interrogation on how we mask our identities and fabricate an image of ourselves for public consumption.

Just a few steps further, Franco-Senegalese photographer Delphine Diallo’s “Renaissance” extracts a spiritual dimension from her family members depicting characters from folk stories, in a fascinating dialogue with the work of  Swiss artist Namsa Leuba, who through her use of local people in “Zulu Kids” bring to life the imagery of Guinean fetishism.

The exhibit makes the already lovely stroll along the riverbank even more special with a generous helping of talent and creativity, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg, as Photoquai also serves as a seedbed for new photography with an ongoing program of residencies and support for artists.

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Tip: As in any outdoor exhibition the lighting can’t be controlled, so if you can, plan your visit when the sun is not too bright or directly overhead so you can appreciate the work at its best.

Photoquai
September 22 to November 22, 2015
Location: along the Seine in front of the Musée de quai Branly, 7th arrondissement
(between the Pont de l’Alma and the Passerelle Debilly bridges)
Métro:Pont de l’Alma / Iéna
Hours: Open 24h a day, every day
Free admission
Website: www.photoquai.fr