Exhibitions, Latest News, Photofestival, Paris Monique Belier Exhibitions, Latest News, Photofestival, Paris Monique Belier

Polycopies & Exhibition in Paris

POLYCOPIES & EXHIBITION IN PARIS

As I sat at home recovering from a cold, it seemed like a whirlwind of photography events was happening all around. It feels as though everything always gets packed into the first three months of the new season.

As I sat at home recovering from a cold, it seemed like a whirlwind of photography events was happening all around. It feels as though everything always gets packed into the first three months of the new season.

I had really wanted to attend Paris Photo, but it just became too much—and then I fell ill. In hindsight, it’s probably a good thing I didn’t go. My work was still there, though. One of my new images from my project In Search of Nijinsky was curated by Slavica Veselinovic for the group exhibition Corporeality by Art Icon, held at the Bastille Design Center, right in the heart of Paris.

My book, Where the Spirit Meets the Bone, was showcased on the Self Publishers United table during Polycopies. For those who aren't familiar, Polycopies is a paradise for photobook lovers. It takes place every year on a large multi-level boat anchored in the middle of the Seine, drawing together the entire photobook publishing world, photographers, and enthusiasts alike.
A delightful surprise was that Temps Mort, a collaborative publication from the Masterclass in Greece, had also been completed. Edited by Raymond Meeks, this book was also on display at Polycopies.

In addition to my work in Paris, one of my images are being exhibited at the Head On Photo Festival in Sydney, which runs until December 1st. It feels surreal to think that my work is currently hanging on the other side of the world.

From November 22st to 24th, there’s another photobook festival in Amersfoort, where I’ll be interviewed by poet and writer Twan Vet about my book on the 24th. Something that always makes me feel very nervous, but that I believe I must do anyway. The festival features a series of interviews with creators and book tables showcasing the latest in photobooks.

Amidst the busyness of the past few months, I’m continuing to work on my project, In Search of Nijinsky, which I ultimately want to publish as a book. I'm researching Nijinsky's life, focusing especially on the period from his institutionalization until his death. I’m exploring parallels and investigating how dance may have played a role—or could have played a role—during that time. The project combines archival material with new images. For me, a book is the perfect medium for telling photographic stories.

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Another Exciting Month Full of Art and Adventure

ANOTHER EXCITING MONTH FULL OF ART AND ADVENTURE

The past month has been a true rollercoaster of art, travel, and new encounters. My adventure began in Bratislava, where I participated in the Off Bratislava Photofestival. My book was selected for Off Libris and presented there, which was an honor!

Discoveries in Bratislava: Off Bratislava Photofestival and Brot Bookstore

The past month has been a true rollercoaster of art, travel, and new encounters. My adventure began in Bratislava, where I participated in the Off Bratislava Photofestival. My book was selected for Off Libris and presented there, which was an honor! Bratislava turned out to be a beautiful city with a special focus on art and the LGBTQ community.

Opposite my hotel, I discovered the special bookstore Brot, which was interested in featuring my book in their collection. It's always nice to receive appreciation, and I was delighted that my work would be available in this store as well.

Brot, special bookshop, Bratislava

Paris Photo and Atelier Néerlandais

After a brief interlude at home, it was time for the next adventure: Paris Photo in the enchanting city of Paris. This extensive photo festival had been on my wishlist for a long time. However, Paris Photo was a bit disappointing as it was incredibly crowded, and I don't do well in large crowds and enclosed spaces, so we didn't stay for long. On the other hand, Polycopies was fantastic. Polycopies is part of Paris Photo and is a floating book fair featuring the latest and unique photo books.

My book was available for sale at the table of Setanta Bookshop from London.

During my stay in Paris, I also visited Atelier Néerlandais, of which I recently became a member. This initiative, located in the heart of Paris and supported by the Dutch and French embassies, provides an excellent space for creative exchange.

Setanta Bookshop at Polycopies, Paris

New Dance Project in Nancy: "In Search of Nijinski"

The journey continued to Nancy, where I met Lorenzo for a new project with the working title: "In Search of Nijinski." Lorenzo, a talented Italian dancer whom I had previously encountered at the Dutch Don't Dance Division in the Netherlands, was enthusiastic about participating in my project. In Nancy, I attended his performance at the Opera House of Nancy as a dancer with Le Ballet de Lorraine, which was a breathtaking experience.

After the performance, Lorenzo and I had two days to work on our new project. The results of the photo shoots are promising, but there is still a lot of work ahead in sorting and selecting the best images.

Opera House, Nancy, France

When everything comes together, Nancy, France

The month is not over yet! Coming up:

Since this month, I am the new curator of exhibitions at the Literary Café de Engelbewaarder in Amsterdam, along with Ringel Goslinga. Ringel will showcase his work starting from November 22, serving as a kind of trial and kick-off for our collaboration.

This art-filled month, marked by travel and new experiences, has only strengthened my passion for photography and art. I look forward to what the future holds and the further development of my artistic journey. Stay tuned for more adventures and creative discoveries!

@de_engelbewaarder-expo

X-Mas Shopping

If you're looking for beautiful unique Christmas gifts, take a look at my shop.

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