CHANEL NEXUS HALL will hold the "Pierre-Elie de Pibrac In Situ" exhibition from March 11th to 27th, 2020.

©Pierre-Elie de Pibrac/Agence Vu’
Ballet dancers captivate audiences with their splendid performances on the world's greatest stage, the Paris Opera. Photographer Pierre-Elie de Pibrac's "In Situ" trilogy captures this almost mythical beauty in every detail. Pibrac's works, created by immersing himself backstage at the Palais Garnier and the Opéra Bastille, where the Paris Opera Ballet performs, and immersing himself in the lives of the dancers, exude a unique beauty that rivals that of the Opera House and its dancers.

This exhibition will be the first to display selected works from his "In Situ" series in Japan.

From the "Confidences" series
©Pierre-Elie de Pibrac/Agence Vu’

Pibrac's grandfather, Paul de Cordon, was a photographer, so he has always had a strong connection with photography. Since taking up photography full-time between 2007 and 2010, his bond with the medium has only strengthened. He pursues a theme, carefully selecting his equipment and dedicating himself to a single subject for several months to create a work, whether it be reportage, abstract painting, or staged expression.

"In Situ" explores Pibrak's immersive experience with the Paris Opera Ballet over two seasons, 2013-14 and 2014-15. He casually blended in with the dancers, sharing their lives on and offstage at the opera house, and observing their movements. "Confidences," part of the "In Situ" trilogy, is comprised of photographs taken backstage and during rehearsals. Using a silent camera and special lenses, he approached the dancers closely, creating images that are raw, direct, and full of emotion. His calm and understated demeanor also allows him to capture the intimacy between the dancers that is rarely seen in public.

From the "Catharsis" series
©Pierre-Elie de Pibrac/Agence Vu’
While both of the three series, "Catharsis" and "Analogia," are in color, they are created from different perspectives and formats. "Catharsis," shot in dim light, offers an abstract, painterly portrayal of the dancers' energetic movements, while "Analogia," placing the dancers in the spectacular Palais Garnier, is like a grand painting.

From the "Analogia" series
All Photos ©Pierre-Elie de Pibrac/Agence Vu’

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the opportunity to see performances by dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet in masterpieces such as "Le Parc," choreographed by Angelin Preljocaj, "Orfeo ed Euridice" by Pina Bausch, "Darkness Hides a Black Horse" by Saburo Teshigawara, "Anatomy of the Senses" by Wayne McGregor, "Boléro" by Maurice Béjart, and "Daphnis et Chloe" by Benjamin Millepied.

The "In Situ" series demonstrates Pierre-Élie de Pibrac's insight and intimacy with his subjects, and is a testament to his originality in exploring the mythical splendor of the Paris Opera Ballet's environment from a comprehensive perspective.

This exhibition will travel as part of the KYOTOGRAPHIE Kyoto International Photography Festival, which will run from September 19 to October 18, 2020.



Last updated: March 27th