The photographs of Michel Giniès could no longer be shot today. The lines were crossed years ago. The word “paparazzi” has losts its meaning. Intrusion is no longer allowed—no photos please! Publicists fabricate “spontaneous” moments for their stars, and magazines retouch every photo.
The thirty black-and-white photographs by Giniès on display at the Galerie Vivienne are emblematic of a world before color. This aesthetic choice is a form of nostalgia for the day when Giniès, “rubbed shoulders with artists, singers, actors, directors and writers as much as possible, as if to bring time to standstill.”
Giniès’s work has appeared in Life, National Geographic Magazine, Paris-Match, Jours de France, Time, Newsweek, Stern, L’Express, Oggi, Nouvel Observateur and Géo.
On the occasion of the exhibition Sur le vif at the Galerie Vivienne in Paris and his participation in the exhibition Paparazzi at the Centre Pompidou-Metz, Giniès answered a few questions about his profession.
What’s your definition of a paparazzo?
Michel Giniès: A photographer who takes a picture without being asked, or who keeps taking pictures after being asked to stop. A paparazzo is a photographer who goes farther than other ones.
What’s the difference between a paparazzo in 1970 and 2014?
M.G: In 1970, we were “contact” photographers, up close to the people we photographed. With the advent of telephoto lenses in the 1980s, photographers could shoot from far away and stay hidden without being seen by their victims.
What was your biggest scoop?
M.G: Maybe in 1984, on the set of 7/7 when Serge Gainsbourg burned a 500-franc note. I took pictures before, during and after the event.
What’s your own favorite photo ?
M.G: I love that picture of an angry Catherine Deneuve charging towards me. There’s something wildly beautiful about her in that moment. But I also like Jack Nicholson’s smile at the Brasserie Lipp. He was so kind to us during the several days he spent in Paris.
EXHIBITION
Michel Giniès: Sur le Vif
Through March 25, 2014
Photo Vivienne
4, Galerie Vivienne
75002 Paris – FRANCE
Tuesday – Friday, 14:00 – 19:00
Saturday 11:00 –19:00 and by appointment
PAPARAZZI!, Photographes, stars et artistes.
Through June 9 2014
CENTRE POMPIDOU-METZ
1, parvis des Droits-de-l’Homme
57000 Metz – FRANCE
