For Olivier Denis, photography is a means of expression, a way to contemplate and capture life with kindness. To focus on the essential, he chose the poetry of black and white. In his world, color would distract from the story he wants to tell. For him, photography is also a way to show interest in others, to capture an encounter, a place, a look. This is how he approached “Women in Turmoil,” a captivating series through which the photographer explores the resilience and vulnerability of women facing the ordeal of illness. Each photograph tells a unique story, revealing moments of struggle and introspection. This series is an ode to women’s ability to find light in the darkness and to rise despite adversity, capturing the human soul with raw and authentic emotion.
What prompted you to create the series “Women in Turmoil”?
Olivier Denis: In his teenage years, my son was diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer. During that extremely difficult period, I promised myself to do something to support the fight against cancer if he survived. He was hospitalized for 14 months, during which he was cared for by a medical team that tried everything, including the latest treatments, technological advances in radiotherapy, and surgeries. He was saved. Unfortunately, soon after, my two sisters and my wife were also affected by this terrible disease. Consequently, I accompanied four of my loved ones non-stop for four and a half years in their daily battle against cancer. It became evident to me that I had to undertake this work. I love women; I am close to them because they uplift men. They touch me deeply regardless of their age or appearance.
What was your approach to making these women feel comfortable?
Olivier Denis: I started by having long conversations with them. I met nearly 300 women, but to date, only 80 are part of this project. I know each one’s story, and some even confided things to me they had never told anyone. I didn’t use a specific “trick” but rather relied on 30 years of human relationships. I also wanted them to see in my eyes as a photographer and as a man that I found them beautiful. I told them that I didn’t stop at their scars but looked at them, seeing all the beautiful things they emanated, beyond their insecurities. I extended a hand to them when they needed it most.
What can this artistic perspective bring to this often-taboo subject?
Olivier Denis: It brings a real perspective. I have brought light to women too often made invisible by society. Illness is still a source of shame in our society; no one shows women with cancer, to the point that they themselves do not want to be seen. I contacted many national magazines for this work, but none wanted to write an article or share my approach. This is the reality. Yet these are the bodies of those we love—our friends, colleagues, wives, sisters, mothers, sometimes daughters—and it doesn’t only happen to others. Let’s not forget that. Through this series, I wanted to break the taboos about cancer and the female body, which is only shown when young to sell soap, cars, lawnmowers, and many other things! I also wanted to allow all these women affected by the disease who hide to identify with some of my models and feel less alone. I made these sick women into heroines. Many saw themselves as beautiful again, regained self-confidence, which allowed them to take back control of their lives, and they express infinite gratitude to me.
How do people react to your images upon seeing the exhibition?
Olivier Denis: Visitors are extremely moved. Some come up to me and say, “I am a doctor, oncologist, radiologist, nurse, psychologist… a thousand thanks for them, for us. You show us these women as we have never seen them.” Some even asked me for advice on how to improve their consultations. I have also seen men cry in front of my photographs. Women thank me, and husbands take pictures of me with their wives. People affected by the disease in some ways have pointed out that, unlike many, I care about these women when no one else does, and this touches them deeply. A few days ago, a man told me, “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen an exhibition that provokes so much emotion. It hit me hard.” This was one of the most beautiful compliments I have ever received.
Exhibition “Des Femmes dans le Tourmente” on the gates of L’Orangerie du Sénat until August 11.
Instagram : olivier_denis_photographe
