Galerie Le 247 in Montmartre in Paris presents the raw, yet masterful, images of photographer Emilie Arfeuil whose interest is in the notion of identity.
Like a chrysalis that transforms into a butterfly, or a petal that unfolds from a bud, or a serpent that sheds its skin in tatters, so too humans undergo change. Naturally, such is the cycle of life. But humans also change because they want to. Not necessarily like chameleons, whose aim is to blend with the surroundings. But rather like Proteus, this sea-god from Greek mythology, who takes on the shape of whatever he loves—a precious talent he uses to cover up his tracks.
Today’s Proteus do not hide; instead, they fully enjoy their freedom to self-examination, self-discovery, and metamorphosis. Gender, origin, sexual orientation, and all the other codified attributes which condition our society are no longer what defines them. This is their choice. Piercings, tattoos, colored hair, mohawks and heads shaved clean, studded leather jackets, strong eyeliner… From one season to the next, they become other. Or rather, themselves? An identity at a time T, unshackled, breaking boundaries. In the end, isn’t this what defines identity? When from immutable it becomes malleable, mysterious, asserted. The elusive Self.
Gwenaelle Fliti
Gwenaelle Fliti is a freelance journalist. She lives and works in Paris.
Emilie Arfeuil: Les métamorphoses de Protée
March 8 to April 21, 2018
Le 247
247 Rue Marcadet
75018 Paris
France
