French photographer Denis Dailleux is one of the notable photographers participating in Chobi Mela VIII photography festival currently taking place in the capital. Dailleux has won several prizes in his 20-year career of professional photography. Currently living in Cairo, he has done multiple series on people living in Egypt.
A fan of distinctive delicacy, Dailleux’s work appears to be calm at first glance, but a closer look reveals an undercurrent of his self-doubt as well as his personal connection with his subjects. The Dhaka Tribune caught up with the world-renowned photographer for a chat and asked what drove him to settle in he Egyptian capital.
“My aim was to find out the everyday life in Egypt – the uniqueness of its mood, its magical light and unspeakable tenderness towards its inhabitants,” he said.
“I aspire to get as close to the people as possible. The moment I take a photo, I enter a situation where I get surprised and express my feelings into the situation.”
Asked how he would describe his photography, Dailleux said: “I kind of get lost in it. I melt and translate the feelings into my photographs.
“I love it very much. The moment I take pictures, the moment when I push the button of the camera because the particular senses give me the feel, I am alive.”
Talking about Chobi Mela, he said: “This is my first time at Chobi Mela – as well in Bangladesh. I love this city; it is kind of similar to Cairo, especially Old Dhaka where my work on the theme “Intimacy” is being exhibited.”
Asked about his recent photography exhibition, Dailleux said: “Last year, I participated in World Press Photo contest. In the category of staged portraits, my photo series ‘Mother and Son’ was selected for the second prize.”
His work, titled “Egypt, My Love,” is on display at Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts in Old Dhaka, an extended venue of Chobi Mela VIII.
