The Grand Prix Photography & Sustainability 2021 competition celebrates the fusion of content and form in photography, while also highlighting collaborations between creatives, brands, and non-profit organizations. This year, Paris Good Fashion x Eyes on Talents honored a talented group of individuals whose work transcends conventional boundaries and brings about a paradigm shift. Among the honorees are Chaumont-Zaerpour for their series Itinérance Méditerranée, Laura Bonnefous, Thibaut Grevet for ERE, and Alice Mann, all of whom showcase boundless creativity and a sensitivity to ecological challenges.
Chaumont-Zaerpour, recognized for their exploration of women and clothing, capture the moments in-between. Their award-winning series takes place in the troglodyte village of Guermessa, located on the outskirts of the Tunisian desert. Working closely with the association Itinérance Méditerranée and the women of Guermessa, Caroline and Alexia, Chaumont-Zaerpour creates a visual narrative that intertwines social bonds and textiles, offering a unique perspective.
Thibaut Grevet’s series titled “Future shock” delves into the hidden side of the fashion industry, where textiles have become detached from creativity and necessity, serving only as vehicles for profit. Collaborating with ERE and Farago Projects, Grevet assembles a team of creatives who share a commitment to engagement. Through constant exchange and seamless flow of ideas, they are able to achieve their desired result.
Both Chaumont-Zaerpour and Grevet aim to draw attention to various societal issues through their work. Chaumont-Zaerpour emphasizes the strength of Itinérance Méditerranée, the importance of collective creation, the significance of clothing in collective consciousness, and the artistry of handiwork. They highlight the role of embroidery in Guermessa, a traditional practice that provides economic autonomy and social ties for Berber embroiderers, while also addressing issues related to the status of women in Tunisia and the second-hand clothing market.
Grevet, on the other hand, strives to convey the truth of overproduction and overconsumption in a creative and thought-provoking manner. He avoids using piles of clothes to depict the issue and instead opts for a creative language that resonates with professionals in the fashion industry. By doing so, he hopes to spark a dialogue about the concept of waste and the frenetic pace of creation.
When discussing the role of photographers in reshaping our perspective on fashion, Chaumont-Zaerpour emphasizes the significance of collaboration and the energy generated by the Itinérance Méditerranée project. Strong connections take time to build, but through the unity of the team, they were able to offer a unique perspective. Grevet adds that when integrity, passion, and artistic vision align with a cause, powerful messages can be conveyed authentically and resonate with the audience.
The exhibition showcasing the works of the Grand Prix Photography & Sustainability 2021 winners will take place from July 10th to 22nd on the grilles of the Hôtel de Ville in Paris, with the support of Pinterest and the City of Paris.
Useful links:
– examplelink1.com: This link provides further information on the Grand Prix Photography & Sustainability 2021 competition and the works of the winners.
– examplelink2.com: This link offers insights into the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry and how photographers can contribute to shaping a more sustainable future.
