Weru Weru and Kine is a diptych from the immense series “Parasomnia”, a dreamlike exploration of Africa. “Parasomnia” was the subject if a publication in 2011. These two images are not fashion photographs, but they make full use of that in terms of staging, style, choice of clothing, and pose. However, the photographer chose to place the characters in partial shadow, not in line with the aesthetic of visual communication, and, perhaps expressing a direct critique of he the industry of photography.
Born in 1972, Viviane Sassen is a preeminent figure in fashion photography. Her work dips into the achievements of her experience in the world of fashion. Viviane Sassen was born in the Netherlands and grew up in Africa. It’s this contemporary Africa that she knows, which the artist approaches through her practice of photography.
Viviane Sassen won the “Gold Medal for Best Photo Book” in 2016 for her book Umbra, awarded by Fotobuchpreis Germany.
In 2016, the Italian luxury home Bottega Veneta entrusted its spring-summer season to Viviane Sassen.
Thanks to Pascal Beausse, head of the photographic collections, and to the teams of the Centre National des Arts Plastiques who have allowed this project to be carried out.
Coordination: Annabelle Oliveira, Communications and Information at CNAP. Assisted Zelie Davin, Responsible for acquisitions photography, video, audiovisual and new media Cnap.
Translation: L’Œil de la Photographie.
Each week you can find the presentation of a piece from the photographic collection of CNAP http://www.cnap.fr and L’Oeil de la Photographie. Available in French and in English
