This year is shaping up to be very interesting in terms of exhibitions and opportunities for promoting my art. The best news so far was that my series, ‘Phantasmagoria’ was accepted into the 15th edition of The European Festival of Nude Art Photography held in Arles, France. This is the biggest and longest-running festival dedicated to nude art photography in the world and I could not be any happier to be a part of it.
Since I had never been to the South of France before I decided to make it a vacation since the festival lasts for two weeks. In Arles, we rented a beautiful house in the center of town which was very close to the Van Gogh Space where the exhibition would take place. Van Gogh painted one of his famous works there and it is a gorgeous place to be.
The opening day was a big ceremony in the central venue for the exhibition followed by receptions in all the different locations. The organizers, local officials, collectors and the media swarmed around in a fervor that was exhilarating.
Throughout the two weeks, there were an estimated 15,000 visitors from all over the world. I had the pleasure to meet many amazing artists that create beautiful and moving art.
Together with a handful of participating artists, I was also invited to do a print exchange with Cai Yuan, one of the photographers that participated as part of the cultural exchange with China in this year’s festival. Here are a few images from the exchange ceremony.
Alongside the ‘Phantasmagoria’ series, I also I also exhibited my ‘Divergent’ project in the one-of-a-kind gallery, Carrières de Lumières – a 7000sq m rock quarry. My art was exhibited alongside the other talented artists participating in this year’s festival and it was a truly magical experience. Seeing my art projected on the immense walls of the quarry while hauntingly beautiful music was echoing throughout was such a surreal experience and one that I will never forget.
This was a truly wonderful experience. Many new friendships where made and new business opportunities were born. I am truly grateful to Bruno Redares and Bernard Minier for selecting me to be a part of this year’s edition.
