In Camera

With ‘In Camera’ Christiaens juxtaposes her own relationship, her own identity and images with those of her parents. She questions the relationship between men and woman, between photographer and model over time and within her own family history.

About the work

With ‘In Camera’ Christiaens juxtaposes her own relationship, her own identity and her own images with those of her parents. Blending two intimate family archives, she calls into question the traditional relationship between men and woman and between photographer and model, both over time and within her own family history. Gazes cross and are reflected within the image, outside the image and through the image. It’s about different perspectives in different times, about similarities and differences. It’s about looking at ourselves, our bodies, our loved ones and others trough the eye of the camera. About exploring the different layers and histories these gazes hold—the gaze of the loved one, the gaze of an artist, the reflected gaze in the mirror—and how they help shape our identity, both within ourselves and through the other. (Stefan Vanthuyne)

'In Camera' was published by APE as an artist book last year (22x33cm 42 images) with a text by Diane Smyth. 'In Camera' also exists as a changeable room presentation: up to 20 images framed in subtle aluminium frames, printed on mat fine art paper. Mostly 40cm hight, some bigger. Recently a woven image (fabric) Christiaens made in collaboration with her mother was added to the presentation.

Biography

Arian Christiaens (°1981) examines ideas of photographic and familial gazes, recontextualising images and the photographic genre in a way that resonates with ideas of a reclamation of sites of photography. It’s multi-layered work where family, photographic, and gender-based narratives overlap with material ideas of the photographic image.

Christiaens first publication handling these themes was ‘Xenia’, published by Art Paper Editions and nominated for the Arles Photobook Prize in 2019. In 2022 'In Camera' was exhibited as part of 'Emerging Belgian Photography' at the Photo Museum (FOMU) Antwerp (B) and Brakke Grond Amsterdam (NL). It was published as an artist book with APE (Art Paper Editions) and nominated for the Ph Museum Main Prize. Through a funding program she is now developing a new project in collaboration with her 12y old son.