Art collective L'Enfant Sauvage and photographer Paul de La Marandais are kicking off the summer season by launching a new photo exhibition entitled 'ÇA VA?' in various public toilets around Brussels.
The unconventional art exhibition's aim is to break away from the traditional white walls of a gallery and encourage viewers (particularly men) to raise their heads to escape from an often unglamorous world or to immerse themselves back into it – depending on the artist's unique perspective.
The exhibition selection process involved choosing photographers based on the available space, the aesthetic appeal of their images and even the colour of the toilet walls. "The images coexist with the spaces they inhabit; the irregularity of the walls reflects through the images, alongside concert posters and perhaps some graffiti tags," according to the gallery's website.
The 20 photographers participating in the exhibition are only allowed to showcase three images each and the images must be immediately understandable to the viewers. Despite some objections, many professional artists happily engaged in the playful self-mockery of artistic creation, embracing the concept behind the exhibition.
Although it may initially seem like a whimsical idea that popped up during a late-night brainstorming session, the exhibition is a meticulously-designed project that reflects the artistic practice of both Paul de La Marandais, a photographer and exhibition producer at the Hangar, and L'Enfant Sauvage.
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Paul de la Marandais has a distinct perspective on the city, capturing intriguing photographic series such as the owners of Basic Fit backpacks.
Meanwhile, L'Enfant Sauvage, which is celebrating its third year, is more than just a gallery or an exhibition space. It serves as a hub for numerous events that aim to share photography in direct connection with everyday life, featuring the urban environment, personal experiences, or even exploring the realms of magical realism and experimentation.
Moreover, L'Enfant Sauvage provides tools such as workshops on ancient photographic techniques such as the wet collodion process and cyanotype printing, as well as guidance through image writing sessions for amateur photographers. It has become one of the vibrant centres of photography in Brussels.
