Born and raised in Paris, Stéphane Gizard talks to QX about how he started out in photography and progressed to images of the male nude.
How were you introduced to the world of photography and when did you realise that you had a passion for it?
I started taking pictures at the age of 10 when my father bought me my first camera. I had shown him my interest in this hobby. I have never trained professionally. I then started working for press agencies in Paris. My interest in taking pictures of men began in my twenties.
What are the subjects of your photography and what are the themes in your work?
I like to photograph people but also my travels. But finally I quickly became a portrait photographer and I worked for many magazines photographing celebrities. At the same time, I developed my personal work on masculinity, particularly on adolescence and the body.
What exhibitions have you been able to participate in?
I have been lucky to have many exhibitions in Paris at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, Galerie du Lendemain, Galerie Sophie Leiser, and at Fotofever, whilst my debut show in the USA was at Bizarre Gallery for my Modern Lovers series. I’ve been part of many BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! group shows around the world including London, Sydney, Amsterdam and Cologne.
Are you also a photographer for hire? How does one go about commissioning your services or acquiring your photographs?
Yes, I work to order. Just ask!
What projects do you have in the pipeline?
I have decided to stop photographing the male nude and am currently focusing on my archives from my 25 year career. I have entrusted Ghislain Pascal (of The Little Black Gallery / BOYS! BOYS! BOYS!) with managing and promoting them. We’ve started by producing a BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! zine of my work, and currently have en exhibition of some of my best works at their BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! Gallery Café in London.
The Best of Stéphane Gizard is currently showing at the BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! Gallery Café London 30C Warren Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 5NF. The zine & all artworks can also be bought online from boysboysboys.org
Social media: @boysfineart @stephanegizard and @boysgallerycafelondon
Images courtesy of agent and gallerist to Stéphane Gizard.
