The European House of Photography (MEP) will unveil the first retrospective dedicated to the Dutch artist Viviane Sassen in France, from October 18, 2023, to February 11, 2024. Titled "Phosphor: Art & Fashion 1990-2023," this exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore the artist's iconic series, such as Umbra, Parasomnia, Flamboya, or Roxane. Initially studying fashion before training in photography at the Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU), Viviane Sassen has developed a distinctive style characterized by intense colors, graphic play on shadow and light, and a particular focus on bodies.
This retrospective aims to delve into two key aspects of her work: the constant exploration of new photographic forms and the importance of the intimate sphere. Sassen's works, merging photography, painting, collage, and video, transcend the mere visual surface to delve into her dreams, desires, and fears, establishing a unique dialogue with the tangible reality of the world.
Presented on the two main levels of the MEP, the exhibition brings together over 200 creations, including iconic series, unpublished archives, mixed-media works, and a selection of her fashion photographs. Its objective is to provide an in-depth overview of Viviane Sassen's creative process, highlighting the constant evolution of her style.
Simultaneously, Prestel will publish a book of over 400 pages, combining essays and photographs, in collaboration with the MEP. Dutch graphic designer Irma Boom has been tasked with designing the book.
Born in 1972 in Amsterdam, Viviane Sassen is a renowned artist in fashion and culture. Her work, exhibited worldwide, has left a significant mark on the contemporary photography scene, receiving notable distinctions such as the Prix de Rome in 2007 and the ICP Infinity Awards in New York in 2011, underscoring her exceptional influence.
