INTERVIEW #5 - AUGUST 2015 FOR YES WE ARE MAGAZINE
ANTOINE KHIDICHIAN -PHOTOGRAPHER-
Hi Antoine, -So you’re, like me, from Paris. Tell us about your arrival in Barcelona and how you feel this city . - I arrived in October 2011 without speaking a word of Spanish. I wanted to study photography, I hesitated between Berlin and Barcelona but I chose Barcelona because I had a friend here. I started with sharing a flat with only Spanish people so in 6 months I learned to speak and they allow me discover this city. I feel very at ease in this city for the people and the weather. And I really like the colors I can find here.
El Garraf
-Which main differences would you make between Paris and Barcelona, in general and artistically ? - In comparison with Paris, I think this city is more open-minded, it keeps something authentic and sweet that I don’t find anymore in Paris. People mix each other whatever they do in their life. By its geographical position, between sea and mountains, this city makes one feel less oppressed than in Paris. Artistically, I see it less exclusive, less «official». In Paris, I felt condemned to «good taste». Here everything seems messier but gives a great sensation of artistic liberty. Nou de la Rambla
-When I have seen the presentation of your current exhibition at Barcelona Visions in El Born borough (dates : 5/08 > 31/08-curator/gallerist : Toni Coll-in charge of the gallery during August : the photographer Joan Teixidor), I knew I had to go and see. I’m fed up about the official art world, for a big part, and I need something really creative, with compo science and a real vision. Tell me about your geometric approach. - When I started to take photos, soon I realized that I was totally obsessed with lines, forms and then colors. And I’m still explorating this theme.
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-If not yet been said in the previous answer, I’d like you to tell me about your painting influences and the proportion of the painting approach in your photo vision. - I’ve never studied Fine arts and the few I know of painting doesn’t take part in my approach in photography. -How does speed by riding on scooter frequently act on your photo production ? - Riding a scooter in Barcelona allows me to extend my playground. I’ve been in places I would have never been, discovered the «margins» of the city, which interested me a lot for its aesthetics.
Montjuic
-What’s your point of view on the present and future of Barcelona’s visual art possibilities ?
-Would you exchange a walk on part in heaven for a lead role in a cage ?
- I think Barcelona has a good artistic energy but there’s a lot to do to let a new scene coming up. We have to create new ways to be seen. I’m working on it with a new project right now.
- My aim is just to keep my own way. I’m not searching for a lead role, just to get my vision going on. In other words, I prefer to be well even without dominating in a place that I love.
-Which project ?
-To end, I’d like to thank you for raising the level here, and for getting out of the representational / figurative vision. We need people like you. Keep on and on !
- I cannot tell too much about it for the moment because it’s the beginning, but basically, it’s about using the street in order to allow everyone to see.
LINKS
- To finish, I’m really proud people like you appreciate my work.
Antoine Khidichian
fotoantoine@gmail.com Interview : Basile Pesso for Yes We Are Magazine
yeswearemagazine.tumblr.com basilepesso.tumblr.com cargocollective.com/basilepesso Graphic Design : Anne Pangolin Guéno for YWAM
thesoftpangolin.tumblr.com
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