SAPE: Society of Ambianceurs and Elegant People.
At the start of the 20th century when the French arrived in the Congo, the myth of Parisian elegance was born among the youth of the Bakongo ethnic group, who were working for the colonisers. At that time, many considered white men to be superior, due to their sophistication and elegance. In 1922, Grenard André Matsoua was the first Congolese man ever to come back from Paris dressed as a genuine Frenchman. His arrival caused great admiration among his fellow countrymen; he became known as the first Grand Sapeur.
Supported by the respect and admiration of their community, today’s Sapeurs consider themselves artists. They add a touch of glamour to their humble environment through their refined manners and impeccable dressing styles. They are each unique, each possessing a particular and individualised repertoire of gestures. They all share the same dream: to go to Paris and return to Brazzaville as the ambassadors of supreme elegance.
Héctor Mediavilla (b. 1970) lives and works between Barcelona and Guanajuato (Mexique). He is member of the co-operative agency Picturetank, since 2003.
EXHIBITION
January 15 – 19, 2013
Galerie La Petite Poule Noire
12 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire
75011 Paris
France
EDITION
Publishers : Intervalles & Picturetank
Photographs : Héctor Médiavilla
Text : Alain Mabanckou
160 pages, 18 cm x 26,6 cm, 39€
Release on January 24, 2013
