For the past 17 years, every night of the week, François de Brigode has appeared on Belgian television as anchorman for the evening news to comment and analyze images of the world. Deep down is a passion for photography and the almost physical need to hold a camera in his hands. With the contrasting black-and-white photographs of Nuages, Brigode shows us that no matter where we go, we will always find magical moments and places. Behind the clouds the sun is always shining.
Your clouds are black and white. Is it because Belgian skies are rarely blue?
Not really, no. I’ve always had an affinity for black and white. Even before shooting with it myself, I liked the contrast and power of black-and-white photographs. I even think that there are more colors in black and white than in color. The variety of the contrasts is bigger. Color can be sterile.
You’ve got your head in the clouds. Are you a dreamer?
Absolutely! I’m a big dreamer. I often think of something my friend said: “The best trips you take are in your head.” This may be due to the ultra-rationalist side of my profession, and dreams are way to escape it. A man without a dream, without a plan, is finished. Maybe it’s not realistic, but it’s a way of nourishing oneself.
Given your constant contact with images of reality—sometimes harsh—do you need air and poetry?
I’ve always wanted to be a journalist. I’m a “man of images,” I devour them, even the most difficult ones. We didn’t have a TV at my house for a long time. So I grew up in the midst of journals, magazines, newspapers, Paris Match, which was one of the first to publish so many photos. And we listened to a lot of music. I was immersed in this atmosphere of images.
Have you ever thought of doing more challenging reportage closer to your profession as a journalist?
Yes, it certainly crossed my mind. When I was 17 or 18 I would cover all the concerts. I experimented with that type of shooting without really going all the way. In fact, I started my career in radio and only came to television later, almost by accident.
After 17 years on television, how do you feel about the world?
I’m an eternal optimist. Looking at the images of the world, if we say that everything is terrible, then I think it can only get better. And, really, things aren’t all that bad. For example, in the news, all we see of Africa are images of poverty and war. But when you’re actually there and meet the people, you see how happy they are. The beauty of the land, light and sun there is amazing. Life is a kaleidoscope, infinite and varied.
Read the full article on the French version of L’Oeil.
EXHIBITION
Nuages de François de Brigode
Through MArch 7th 2015
Young Gallery
Avenue Louise 75b
1050 Brussels
Belgium
younggalleryphoto.com
BOOK
Nuages
Photographs by François de Brigode
Publisher: éditions Lamiroy
Issue : 12 February 2015
70 pages
ISBN : 978-2-87595-040-6
20€
François de Brigode will be presenting his book in the Foire du Livre de Bruxelles on February 27th and 28th and March 1st, 2015
