Camille Vivier's First Major Survey Opens at MEP in Paris

The Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) in Paris has opened 'Camille Vivier,' the first major survey of the French photographer's 25-year career. Spanning an entire floor, the exhibition brings together around ten series and nearly one hundred works, including gelatin silver and digital prints, Polaroids, and studio constructions. Vivier's practice exists at the intersection of fine art and fashion photography, often blurring boundaries between human, animal, object, and architecture. The show was originally conceived as a cross-exhibition with Robert Mapplethorpe, but logistical challenges with the Mapplethorpe Foundation led to a solo presentation. Key series include 'Horses' (2002), 'Teatro Colla' (2014) featuring puppets by Luigi Veronesi, 'Monument' (2002–2022) with anthropomorphic candles, and 'HR Giger' (2021–2022) shot in the late artist's home. Vivier's work is noted for its cinematic, theatrical quality and references to David Lynch, Alfred Hitchcock, Cindy Sherman, and Carlo Mollino. The exhibition runs until 13 September 2026.