Viviane Sassen at Maison Européenne de la Photographie

Viviane Sassen
18th of October, 2023 – 11th of February, 2023
MEP – Maison Européenne de la Photographie
5/7 rue de Fourcy 75004 Paris

The Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) presents the first retrospective of Dutch artist Viviane Sassen‘s work in France, encapsulating over 200 pieces, the exhibition provides an insight into thirty years of Sassen‘s multifaceted creations across disciplines such as photography, collage, painting, and video.

Occupying the main two levels of the MEP, the display brings together prominent series such as “Umbra”, “Parasomnia”, “Flamboya”, and “Roxane”, coupled with previously unseen archives, mixed-media compositions integrating photography, painting, collage and video, and her distinctive fashion photography. The exhibition aims to illuminate Viviane Sassen‘s creative process, underpinning two significant aspects: her continuous exploration of innovative photographic techniques and the crucial role of intimacy in her work. For Sassen, photography transcends mere aesthetic value; it serves as a gateway into a world where her dreams, aspirations, and fears converge with tangible reality.

Initially studying fashion design, Viviane Sassen swiftly pivoted to photography, honing her skills at the Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU). After graduating, she alternated personal projects with commercial ventures. Her photography – characterized by its vivid hues, dynamic interplay of light and shadow, and unique depictions of the human form – soon garnered widespread demand. Viviane Sassen quickly rose to international prominence in the fashion and cultural industries. In conjunction with this exhibit, a 400-page, fully illustrated book comprising several essays and designed by Dutch graphic artist Irma Boom will be published by Prestel in collaboration with the MEP.

Viviane Sassen at Maison Européenne de la Photographie opens on 18th of October, 2023 until the 11th of February, 2023

©2023 Viviane Sassen, MEP