BAUDOUIN MOUANDA
Sapeurs de Bacongo
Until 20.01.2016
Au Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, Art District, 41, avenue Hoche, 75008 Paris
Baudouin Mouanda
The Sapeurs exhibition unveils the secret society of Congo Brazzaville’s finest and most elegant people. Featuring a series of flamboyant and extravagant photographs, Baudoin Mouanda portrays the Sapeurs, members of the S.A.P.E, Societé des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Elégantes, in other words, Society of Party Revelers and Elegant Persons. Inspired by the elegance of French men and British dandies, the dandy of yesterday is the Sapeurs of today. Nicknamed Photouin (Photo + Baudouin), Mouanda begins his photographic journey in 1993, when his father offered him his first camera. Years later, he is awarded Best Photographer from the Fine Art School of Kinshasa (Republic Democratic of Congo), Baudouin gradually gains popularity in Africa. While studying journalism in Paris, he decides to work on the culture of S.A.P.E. Back home, he carries on his series, in a country where Suit is king and Sapology is a religion.The Sapeurs de Bacongo photo series is his most famous work to date and have generated tremendous interest from institutions and collectors around the world. (text and courtesy: Mariane Ibrahim Gallery)
All photos are from 2008.