Phnom Penh & Art: “Ici ou Là” exhibition Damien Dufresne meets his fans

An intimate, private moment at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra (The Gallery) to celebrate the “Ici ou Là” exhibition by Damien Dufresne. Featuring more than 100 photographic works from Shanghai and Siem Reap, exclusively of male models, Damien Dufresne's “Ici ou Là” exhibition offers something new, creative and pure talent.Last Monday, Damien met up with his fans at a conference organised by the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.

Damien Dufresne, talented photographer and make-up artist

“Ici ou Là”: Between natural charisma and perpetual novelty

The title of an exhibition often begs the question of its essence, and Damien's professional journey is the simplest answer.

“There are so many different things here that a particular title wasn't appropriate. People often ask me where my inspiration comes from, but in reality, my work doesn't change depending on the country. Here or there, my work is the same, it's not the countries that inspire me, it's the models I have in front of me", he says.

With no precise career plan, he has moved on from Paris, Seoul, Milan, New York, Tokyo and Shanghai, far from the constraints of fashion and marketing, to breathe peace and joy in the land of the Kingdom, pursuing an artistic career driven by spontaneous, human encounters. Humble and passionate, he has found his haven of peace in Siem Reap, where he continues to work in complete freedom, lulled by the calm of this province in his Masa studio.

Philosophy and working techniques

Transported by the faces of his models and the pigments that dress them, Damien Dufresne sublimates and reveals these men. Patient and observant, he visualises his colours before applying them and blending them into the models' skin. It's a masterful job, thanks to his experience in make-up, hairdressing and photography, but also to the artist's profound and multi-faceted talent.

Between pigmented cream bases, professional eye shadows and the use of an airbrush, the faces come to life through the association of colours and the birth of textures, each as singular as the next. Darkness, clarity, penumbra or luminosity, Damien Dufresne invites the world into his universe, and all with colour.

“I'm not proud of my work, I'm just happy to be able to do it”,says the artist.

He adds: “Right now, I'm having fun. My professional career was more about make-up, but now it's not really work, it's something I really enjoy”.

His inspirations: Between street encounters and states of mind

From a painter from Battambang to a car driver in Siem Reap or a fruit juice seller, Damien Dufresne has discovered these living gems on Cambodian street corners.

After a few exchanges and some time to adapt, these young men had the opportunity to pose in front of his camera and be sublimated by his unique creative fingers. But the artist's humanity and humility would say that it is he who is grateful to have these young men at the end of his brushes and behind his lens. A collaborative work experience that reveals a spirit of creativity, novelty and natural charisma.

“These are boys who have never worn make-up, and sometimes they give me something they would never have given me without make-up”, says Damien Dufresne.

Photograph from the exhibition “Ici ou Là” by Damien Dufresne

Far from imposing a pose or an emotion, Damien paints the faces and bodies of the models, giving them the freedom to be themselves. It's a moment of creation where the model's naturalness takes over, creating a raw talent without artifice, as if the camera no longer existed.

“My inspiration is the model. I work without knowing what I'm going to do in advance, I forbid myself”, he asserts.

With no real concept, this artist allows himself to be constantly led by improvisation. There are no barriers in his way, the images speak to him and make sense to him. His moods of the day guide him towards the choice of light or darkness, and determine the colours that will dress the faces and bodies of his models.

Sonan has also proved his worth as a model. Now assistant to the artist in Siem Reap, he is passionate and determined, and is also training in make-up.

Sonan, Damien Dufresne's model and assistant

"I've always wanted to become a model. I'm very happy to be able to work alongside Damien and learn from his experience", says Sonan.

The intimate event was attended by around twenty admirers of the artist's work, who were able to chat with him and admire his works.

“Damien Dufresne's work is a real feast for the eyes: a harmonious blend of bright and sometimes dark colours, contrasts of light, inspiring and touching Khmer faces. Originality, creativity and sumptuousness are the key words of this exhibition”, says Julia Pasquier-Desvignes, a young Frenchwoman impressed by the artist's talent.

With his camera to immortalise every moment and his brushes to sublimate every face and body, no matter where they are, here or there, Damien Dufresne gives birth to works that are as unique, human and revealing of unadorned beauty as ever.

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More information : https://www.damiendufresne.com/ 

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Instagram : @dufresne_damien