Quentin Shih:

In photography as in writing, style is key. Regardless of what one photographs, style determines artistry and how a work sets itself apart. This is precisely what is fascinating in the “giant” photographs on view at the Maison de la Chine (China House) in Paris. Most of them were commissioned by Dior China. In the series The Stranger in the Glass Box, models wearing haute couture and trapped in glass capsules appear in incongruous locations throughout China. “Pop art” photography takes on a surreal dimension through its intrusion into this dream world. This Chinese artist has some of the madness of Guy Bourdin, with scenes reminiscent of the paintings of Edward Hopper, as in the series Shanghai Dreamers. The fifteen very large format photos call attention to the singularity and strange beauty of this work on images and light. Quentin Shih (whose real name is Shi Xiaofan) moved to Peking after studying in New York. In 2008, he was selected by Dior to participate in the exhibition “Dior and Contemporary Artists,” held in the Chinese capital. Since then, he has worked regularly with Dior, as well as magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and Esquire. His photographs have been displayed around the world and have entered both private and public collections. Paul Alessandrini Quentin Shih: La photographie cinématographique La Maison de la Chine 76 rue Bonaparte 75006 Paris France Free Entrance. Monday – Saturday 10am – 7pm