The show is called Suite (‘Next’) because ten years ago Richard Dumas presented a series of portraits at the Galerie VU’. Now he is presenting 50 new portraits, which will be on view during the Mois de la Photo at the Galerie VU’ until January 5, 2013. The small- and large-format photos were printed by the artist or by Antoine Agoudijan, with the artist’s approval.

If there is such a thing as a “Richard Dumas style,” it has nothing to do with some technological mastery, but simply that no two of his photos look alike.

The power of his portraits comes from the fact that each subject is photographed according to their individual personalities, which call for specific lighting and arrangement. Black or color emphasize what is special about the way they look or behave.

His models aren’t just anyone. His knowledge of music, literature and cinema have drawn him to assertive types. His punk roots have led him to shoot whatever way he pleases. Although he has declared his intention to give the impression that his models are alone, that “[he’s] not there, absent, it’s a paradox,” he certainly is there when he decides on the lighting, style and contrasts.

Dumas got his start photographing musicians passing through the French city of Rennes. Whether it was Nick Cave, Charlotte Gainsbourg, or Christophe in 2008, or Patti Smith and Keith Richards in 2010, we see the same high standards on display, the same cultivated perspective.

Bernard Perrine
Bernard.Perrine1@orange.fr

Richard Dumas
"Suite" - 50 portraits
In part of Mois de la Photo à Paris 2012
Until January 5th, 2013
VU' la Galerie
Hôtel Paul Delaroche
58 rue St Lazare
75009 Paris - France
+33 (0) 153 01 85 85
Monday - Saturday 2pm - 7pm