Paparazzi: a word invented by Fellini in his film Dolce-Vita. Definition: VIP spotters like the hunter stalks his prey. Always on the prowl, under cover for hours, ready to whip out their telescopic lens at the slightest movement, paparazzis have been playing cat and mouse with celebs since more than a half century.
The Centre Pompidou-Metz has created the surprise by showcasing this exhibition with a slightly scandalous flavor, projecting paparazzi photo in the arty genre. The super playful and prolific venue (more than 600 works), considers the encounters between these image hunters and their subjects.
But who is really in charge? Certain celebrities, far from being innocent victims manipulate the stalkers of chic photos to control their own image. Such as for example: Paris Hilton…
We like: spontaneity that emanates from these photgraphs taken on the spot with guests such as Liz Taylor, Kate Moss, the Brangelina couple… Photos of course, but not just that, since paparazzi have inspired other artists (including Andy Warhol and Cindy Sherman), not to mention their influence on the fashion shootings of Helmut Newton and Terry Richardson.
The plus? Play at being a paparazzi by participating in the new photo contest launched on the site we already discussed.
Paparazzi ! Photographs, stars and artists until 9 June 2014
Sébastien Valiela, Paris Hilton on a lawnmower, 21 March 2006
Ink jet proof, 20 × 30 cm
Eyewitness
© Sébastien Valiela/Eyewitness Collection
