Biography

Denis OLIVIER

I was introduced to the world of art and photography as a child. A period bathed in red light and marked by the "perfume" of the chemicals in the dedicated, ever-present darkroom in my parents' home. My entourage introduced me to numerous exhibitions and techniques of expression, which initially led me to graphic design and painting. In the early 1990s, after a few scientific detours, it was at the École des Beaux-Arts of Poitiers in France that I found computer graphics, programming and computer-generated images a fascinating means of expression.

It was Alain FLEIG who introduced me not only to art photography, but also to techniques, particularly laboratory techniques. Then came my first solo exhibition and a training course with Philippe SALAÜN, the renowned darkroom printer, trained by Ansel ADAMS and preferred darkroom printer, among others, of Willy RONIS, Robert DOISNEAU, Edouard BOUBAT, Izis, Inge MORATH, Seydou KEITA, Malick SIDIBÉ or René JACQUES. While still a student, I began to work on commissions, press articles and exhibitions.

In 1995, I began working in architecture, followed by web design. I then went on to do graphic design and art direction for various digital projects. I returned to photography in 2005, testing out landscape photography in the infrared, discovering long exposures.

I've also created a number of artistic projects, most often enabling the exchange and promotion of other artists, the longest-running being Art Limited.

Work

I'm patiently on the lookout for sought-after forms, for presences that have probably been there for a very long time, unchanging, in the same silence and under the same dense skies. The choice of stripped-down scenes brings to life the smallest details, the slightest traces, like so many forgotten signatures. The composition of elements creates abstract spaces, where straight lines and curves oppose and respond to each other, creating images that are almost totally graphic.

My photographs are veritable observations captured during my travels, explorations and personal or professional journeys. They originate in the act of looking, feeling connected to my perception of the beauty and elegance of the world.

I'm not interested in photographic projects, specific subjects or the visual narrative of series. I look for singular, poetic scenes that seem suspended in time, like unique paintings standing on their own.

Although I've been happy to use digital cameras in the past, it's silver photography and its "analog" medium that allow me to photograph with a different relationship to time, an expectation, demand and uncertainty that reinforce the experience and final satisfaction. I have always personally developed my films.

I appreciate the rigor with which I shoot, and the care and meticulousness I bring to the construction of my photographs, in order to obtain elegant and contemplative "tableaux".

Replies to various similar questions from visitors.

Bordeaux Madame magazine issue 102, Art & Culture section, article written by Camille Chaumette of the Chaumette Agency.

Published and chosen for cover of Black+White Photography magazine issue 280. It is respected for its quality writing, stylish design and compelling photographs. Highlighting quality contemporary monochrome photography, B+W covers a range of genres including documentary, portraiture, still life, landscape and street. The magazine has featured interviews with leading figures, including Nick Brandt, Michael Kenna, Vanessa Winship, David Bailey, Sarah Moon and Michael Ackerman, as well as many other seminal and emerging photographers. Launched in 2001, B+W informs, inspires and stimulates all levels of creative photographers working within the monochrome aesthetic. Inspiring and engaging readers to take their photography to the next level is at the core of the magazine’s ethos.

May 22 issue. #1 Magazine Dedicated to Medium and Large Format Photography. Presented in the gallery section of the magazine.

FEM Fine EYE Magazine was founded in 2016. This bi-monthly publishing magazines are focusing on artistic and fine art photography.

LEMAG (Long Exposure Magazine) is a digital monthly magazine featuring over 150 pages of high quality photography, articles and interviews.

FEM Fine EYE Magazine was founded in 2016. This bi-monthly publishing magazines are focusing on artistic and fine art photography.

LEMAG (Long Exposure Magazine) is a digital monthly magazine featuring over 150 pages of high quality photography, articles and interviews.

Issue 1202 features work by Iwajla Klinke, Stephen McNally, Cannon Bernáldez, Karen Neems, Francis Goussard, Marjolaine Vuarnesson, Denis Olivier, Hannah Kozak, Poole / Mauge.

FEATURED: Oriol Jolonch, Victor Enrich, Jeremy Geddes, Angelo Musco, Denis Olivier, Thomas Subtil, Jorris Martinez.

For Neutral Density Magazine by Marcin Stawiarz.

Image Magazine #34

December 2008.

Profifoto September 2008

"Denis Olivier is our special guest in this month’s interview section, who is known to most as the founder of “Art limited Net” and as an author who successfully merges digital and analogue techniques."

Interview with photographies for Photo Magazine romanian publication.

Interview with photographies for Art and Culture KROMA Online spanish Magazine.

Interview for PhotoArt (Czech) in august 2006 issue.

Interview from Micro-Photo-Vidéo (France).