What is beauty? Who deserves to be admired? What is a true Diva?
The photographic series Duva/Diva is the result of a collaboration between the theatre company Stefan Bremer, the photographer Stefan Brember, the Blue Flamenco dance school, and the costume designer Paula Varis.
Despite their glamorous décor, these photographs with saturated and glossy tones, which were taken during the creation of Carmen, Bird of Prey, go against the genre’s conventions. They portray actors and dancers afflicted with various physical and mental disabilities, taking their inspiration from the beautiful and glamorous world of opera, the sensuality of flamenco, the story of Carmen, and parts developed by the actors in the show.
Since its inception in 1999, DuvTeatern has defied the traditional conventions and conceptions of theatre. Who has the right to go on stage? What’s a real actor? An encounter with professional opera singers gave actors and the public the opportunity to reconsider their conceptions of professionalism, self-esteem and beauty. These are the questions that inspired the people involved with the photo series Duva/Diva.
The renowned Finnish photographer Stefan Bremer (b. 1953) first collaborated with DuvTeatern in 2003. His work has been exhibited throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and the United States. “Man” and “Woman” are two of his favorite themes. He also explores the complexity of living in the modern world. Stefan Bremer is the son of Caj Bremer, one of the most famous postwar Finnish journalists, whose work was also exhibited at the Institut Finlandais in November 2011.
Stefan Bremer & DuvTeatern – Duva/Diva
From November 2nd to December 15th, 2012
L’Institut finlandais
60, rue des Ecoles
75005 Paris – France
01 40 51 89 09
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