The Museum of Contemporary Art of Moscow presents as part of the 11th International Month of Photography in Moscow PHOTOBIENNALE 2016, Personal Affairs an exhibition by French photographer Thierry Bouët curated by Sam Stourdzé. This project is presented by Les Rencontres d’Arles.
Thierry Bouёt hunts for extraordinary objects sold on the site Le bon coin. The artist phones the advertisers, arranges a meeting and photographs the vendors with their goods. As a collection these photographs allow the author to create the fascinating portrait of a consumer society where anything and everything is for sale: an ancient castle, dog championship cups, a coffin no longer needed by whoever placed the order, and an incomplete set of pastis glasses.
« Hello sir, I’m calling about your ad on Le Bon Coin concerning the riding boots. Are they still available?
Yes, they are.
Great. Where are they from?
An Italian shoemaker.
Are they new or used?
I’ve hardly ever worn them. I got the wrong size. Are you a size 41?
Well, I’m calling you for a rather special reason. I’m a photographer preparing a show about unusual items people sell on Le Bon Coin.
Aha, okay. And since when are boots unusual items?
As far as I know, you’re the only person selling bespoke riding boots. Would it be possible to meet you and photograph your boots?
Whatever strikes your fancy. Are you free on Wednesday?
Let’s say ten o’clock?
Well, no, actually, I have to work until noon on Wednesday.
In that case, half-past twelve at your stable?
If that suits you, yes.
Let me take down your address.
If you have GPS, it’ll bring you there. Will you take the A6B?
No, don’t worry. I’ll be in the neighbourhood. »
Thierry Bouët
FESTIVAL
PHOTOBIENNALE 2016
The 11th International Month of Photography in Moscow
Personal Affairs
Thierry Bouët
From March 15 till April 17, 2016
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Moscow
Ermolaevskiy str, 17
Moscow
Russia
http://www.mmoma.ru/en/
http://www.mamm-mdf.ru/en/festivals/photobiennale-2016/
