L'Envers, 2024

Christelle Yambayisa  

This series of twelve photographs was born from a carte blanche offered to the artist by the jewelry house Repossi, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of their Serti sur Vide collection. The very intimate, even autobiographical work of the artist brings out in the photos the different aspects of his personality, three of these innumerable facets.

The lighting enhances the reflections and the elusive looks of the model, Romane. For the artist, the choice of the model was of particular importance. Indeed, Romane represents a sort of alter ego for Christelle Yambayisa, her double. An appearance, a quest, a reflection that the artist experiences on a daily basis are reflected in the three parts of the exhibition: the facade, the reverse and the hidden face.

At the beginning, the first impression that the artist can produce: a young, dynamic and sunny woman. The glamorous and smooth style of the photographs magnifies the beautiful, modern and strong woman. A professional model, Christelle Yambayisa evolves in a universe where image is of crucial importance. Courage, vigilance, assurance are the most visible facets of Christelle's life.

The second part focuses on the behind the scenes, on the work on oneself that the artist carries out on a daily basis. The control of one's image, the need to get out of the established framework, her way of seizing her chance, while seeking stability, this duality is transposed in Christelle's photographs.

And finally, the hidden side of the photographer, with her doubts and melancholy. The images are darker, the frame fragmented. The absence of the titles of the photos invites the viewer to project themselves into the artist's work, to find their emotion deep within themselves, their hidden side. A search for herself, reflection on exile are often underlying in Yambayisa's work. Through several trips to Kenya and Rwanda, she seeks to reconnect with her childhood and her country of origin, which she had to leave in a hurry following the Rwandan genocide. The deep nostalgia that accompanies her emanates from the last part of the exhibition.

The exhibition Christelle Yambayisa: Trois Facettes is a form of manifesto where the artist searches for her identity. A great modesty transcends these photographs and hides a broader questioning on the multiple facets of our lives: the contrast between the image we project, the one we think we have, and the one that really defines us. The exhibition pushes us to introspection, encouraging everyone to explore their true self.