Purple Diary
[April 13 2011]
REGENERATION2 at azzedine alaïa gallery, paris
It’s a hint as to what we might expect to see from the next generation of photographers. For the second instalment of the ReGeneration project, the Musee de l’Elysee presents ReGeneration2 at Azzedine Alaïa’s gallery in Paris. The enterprising project occurring every five years, showcases the work of 80 emerging photographers on the brink of beginning their career. In the age of digital revolution, image-makers is a most fitting term for these new talents, whose individual visions and technique are as varied as the 30 different countries they are from. David de Beyter takes us on a trip to an “urban countryside” – or a living paradox that seemlessly balances between artifice and nature shrouded in the anonymity of modern times. Meanwhile, Margo Ovcharenko, Jen Davis and Jennifer Osborne explore a contemporary reportage and portraiture, with Osborne presenting a reportage of youth from her generation – but that of a delinquant, criminalised youth in the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Perhaps most intriguing is Geoffrey H. Short, Nominee for the Lacoste Elysée Photography Prize 2010, whose series Towards another (Big Bang) Theory captures the sublime in staged fire explosions. To the unknowing viewer, it is volatile beauty, danger and our fragile existence. ReGeneration2 is on view until 22 May at Gallery Azzedine Alaïa, 18 Rue de la Verrerie, Paris. Photo and text Sophie Pinchetti
