Rodrigo Van Peteghem: Guest photographer 2024
Born in Colombia, the artist is deeply influenced by the conflicts of his native country and the identity of Medellín. There, he developed a social photography project with marginalized communities. Now living in Marseille, he draws his inspiration from the Mediterranean and figures such as Edward Hopper, Elliot Erwitt, Martin Parr and Peter Lindbergh. His work tackles socio-cultural and environmental themes, adding a touch of pop and minimalist irony. He deconstructs the myths imposed by modern visual society, while collaborating with the fashion world, notably at Milan Fashion Week 2023.
With his main project, “La Vida Real”, he won the OFF festival VISA pour l’Image in 2020, his project was screened at the “Rencontres de Arles” in 2023 at the Rivera Ortiz Foundation, and he exhibited for the Ministry of Culture at the Colombian consulate, marking the national day in memory of the victims of armed conflict. He was selected by the government and its sports and culture ministries to exhibit at the official delegation venue during the Paris 2024 Olympics to represent Colombian culture and art.
Site Internet : rodrigo.dreamvoyager.fr
Instragram : rodrigodvco
Facebook : facebook.com/rodrigodvco/
Series presented: La Vida Real
The artist proposes a black-and-white urban exploration of Medellín’s comunas, playing with the notion of visible and invisible borders. These areas, integrated or not, with their distinct histories and communities, are at the heart of his project. He draws on his personal memories, dreams and documentary research to transcribe a fragile reality of Colombian society, seeking to rehabilitate the image of his native country by immortalizing the daily life that develops and transforms there.
The city of Medellín was chosen for this documentary because of the myth it has engendered, notably linked to its history with drug trafficking and urban guerrillas. This city of over 2 million inhabitants is often perceived in a one-sided way, influenced by stereotypes conveyed by the media, cinema, TV series and the music industry. The artist confronts this critical gaze with a certain collective social authenticity.
The project does not deny the history of violence that persists in Colombia, and is dedicated to the victims of armed conflict, particularly children and women, often the first forgotten collateral victims. However, “[La Vida Real]” highlights the cultural and artistic richness, ethnic diversity, resilience, power of rebirth, spirit of revolt and future hopes of the Colombian people.
In short, the artist uses his work to explore and represent the complexity of Medellín, striving to show a more nuanced and authentic image of the city and Colombian society. Her project bears witness to both the enduring challenges and the resilience and rebirth of the people of Medellín, while confronting and deconstructing common stereotypes.
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