The Sapeurs exhibition unveils the secret society of Congo Brazzaville’s finest and most elegant people. Featuring a series of flamboyant and extravagant photographs, Baudoin Mouanda portrays the Sapeurs, members of the S.A.P.E, Societé des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Elégantes, in other words, Society of Party Revelers and Elegant Persons. Inspired by the elegance of French men and British dandies, the dandy of yesterday is the Sapeurs of today.
Unlike traditional African studio portraiture, Baudouin Mouanda explores the streets of Bacongo district and documents the sub-cultures of Brazzaville. The Sapeurs have arisen in 1960’s in West Africa and among their Diasporas in Europe. Devoted to elegance and refinement, they wear the latest high fashion of the moment. In a society in crisis, the Sapeurs generally come from modest households and believe in the power of clothing to upgrade their social status and correct inequalities. They are highly respected by their community who see in them the progress and ambition of their country.
Nicknamed Photouin (Photo + Baudouin), Mouanda begins his photographic journey in 1993, when his father offered him his first camera. Years later, he is awarded Best Photographer from the Fine Art School of Kinshasa (Republic Democratic of Congo), Baudouin gradually gains popularity in Africa. While studying journalism in Paris, he decides to work on the culture of S.A.P.E. Back home, he carries on his series, in a country where Suit is king and Sapology is a religion.
Well-mannered, hedonist, connoisseur, passionate, the Congolese Dandies follow not only a code of three color maximum per suit, but a code of behaviors, such as physical and moral elegance, non-violence, free speech and respect of others… It is the equation of “Savoir Vivre”(the art of living well) and “Savoir Porter” (the art of dressing well). The Sapeur’s community and influences are growing beyond the borders of both Congos and is inspiring celebrities and international fashion designers such as the British designer, Paul Smith.
In 2009, Mouanda receives the Young Talent Award at the Encounters of African Photography in Bamako from a jury headed by the internationally acclaimed artist, Malick Sidibé. Mouanda exhibited in museums and participated in several exhibitions such as “the Art of being a Man” at the Musée Dapper (Paris), ‘Swaggers: ambient people’s elegance” in Scotland, Africa Rising at Louis Vuitton HQ, Paris, in Rio de Janeiro, Helsinki and Paris Photo 2011.
The SAPE photo series have generated tremendous interest from institutions and collectors around the world and will be presented by the Art Museum of the Rhodes Island School of Design, from April till August as part of their exhibition: the Artist/ the Dandy/ the Rebel.
Baudouin Mouanda: Sapeurs
From January 25th to March 2nd, 2013
M.I.A Gallery
1203 A Second Avenue
Seattle, 98101 WA
USA
T. 206 467 4927
