I first became aware of Bernard Faucon’s work while I was still a student. We were looking at ways text and image can coexist, and this guy took it farther than you’d probably imagine: He had large words cut out of wood, then covered them in reflective tape so they would bounce back his flash light when positioned in the landscape. The results are seemingly simple, natural images with what appear to be handwritten phrases. (You may have to see them to get it.) Faucon is a French surrealist, and master of the constructed image.
The Big Deal:
Faucon produces work at a prolific rate. He has seven major bodies of work, most of which span years. From staging fantastic childhood scenes with old mannequins, to transforming rooms with goldleaf and fire, most of his work creates elaborately surreal environments. (Check out his Chambres d’Amour portfolio – they’re such lovely images.)
Life In Brief:
Born in Provence, France in 1950. From 1969-1973 he studies at the Sorbonne in Paris; earns a Master’s degree in philosophy. Though originally a painter, he transitions to photography in 1977. Since then, has had more than 350 international exhibitions. Decides to end his photographic work in 1997. Retrospective of his work shows in Paris in 2004-2005.
“We went out of the age of photography; we even went out of photography itself. We have entered the age of image.”
For More:
Check out Faucon’s wonderfully comprehensive website
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