Anne-Sophie Guillet a.k.a.
Aniko
Brussels-based film photographer
‘Together’
“Together” is the name of the series Aniko is currently working on. The series aims to suggest a change in attitude and perception on various relationships types including love, sexual relationships, friendships and the relationship we have with ourselves. Aniko explains “the social injunction imposes itself as an established norm with its heteronormative codes in our lives and in our relationships with others. Today, each individual creates their own model in order to find the best way that resonates with their soul.” The people that agreed to pose for the series live their relationships outside the romantic love pattern. “Sentimental exclusivity and romantic love are valued components in our society. How would it be possible to redefine the contours of love relationship ? How could we question the sentimental norm or stop to project our believes on others ? Relationships shouldn’t be put in competition nor prioritised, they should co-exist.”
What is your creative process and what are the most important things you keep in mind when beginning a new project? Are there any recurring themes/issues you like to address within your work?
“My interest is focused on societal issues and its norms by questioning them through portraiture. I wish that there was more fluidity towards the perception of gender from early childhood within education and in the Society as a whole. Its important to do and undo what had up-to-now, been seen and imposed as the norms.”
“I’m interested in the links between people and the meaning of their relationships. Portrait photography allows me to capture nuances and elusive moments or possible hesitation of moving bodies. Portraiture is an encounter in itself, the shooting moment permits me to connect with the individuals and find them where they are. I use a medium format analog camera on a tripod with daylight. The image is voluntary paired down, clean from superfluous for the benefit of the essential which is within the visual exchange between the individuals who agreed to pose and myself. The picture is thought as a painting with few elements and light colours touches.”
What inspired you to get into the arts and photography (more specifically film)?
“I’ve always been into film photography since the very beginning of my photography studies. I sticked to my medium format camera ever since. I like the use of an analog camera and wouldn’t stop using it. Before getting into photography I spent a year in a half studying English and Spanish literature at university but felt like dropping it to go to an art school. I eventually did my MFA in visual arts and photography at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels.”
Did you have any role models ?
“I don’t know if I have role models but I do I like various engaged artists. I’m quite fond of Charlotte Podger’s video filmed with an iPhone that questions queer issues, language, landscape and time. Randa Maroufi’s engaged approach in her works and especially in the video “The Great Safae”, is of particular interest to me. Go check her work. In photography I am particularly touched by Peter Hujar’s approach to portraiture, Paul Mpagi Sepuya’s self-portraits, staging and feeling of touch and Zanele Muholi’s portraits of black queers and trans individuals from various places.”
Any other interesting facts/information we should know about you ?
“Today I’m also a humanist hypnosis practitioner and currently undertaking a shiatsu training. Mental health and care are important to me and I feel the urge to help people find inner peace. Photography can help but I felt that it wasn’t enough, I wanted to get other tools.”
Upcoming projects:
“As for the upcoming events or projects there is a residency in Luxembourg in spring where I’lll be shooting some portraits for the ongoing series “Together”. I’ll go to Paris too this spring to shoot more people (couples, lovers, thruples, PolyA…) basically anyone concerned by the series. Hit me up if you’re in Brussels or Paris or Luxembourg. :) And this summer there will be a group exhibition entitled “Symbiocène” held at L’été des Serpents, during Arles. It’s an exhibition curated by Marie Ganay presenting series of works exploring different possibilities of togetherness, in relation to the concept of Symbiocène.”
