Marie Guilland (Paris, 1982), graduated in design and photography from Stellenbosch Academy in South Africa. Her exceptional portfolio, developed during her studies (2011), along with her inaugural solo jour ney to Asia in 2012, garnered recognition through various professional photography competitions in Paris, the USA, and Russia.
In 2015, she earned the distinction of being selected as an emerging photographer in the Netherlands and was featured in the New GUP Book. Several of her photographs are also part of the GUP book collec tion, where she ranked among the top 4 out of 100 photographers. Her achievement included a prestigious prize a collaboration opportunity with a professional postproduction company. These contest wins at tracted sponsors, enabling her to expand her work in the years following 2015. This marked the turning point for her long term project, ‘Only Passing By.’
ARTIST STATEMENT
Marie Guilland draws inspiration from people, places, and her global experiences, using photography as a powerful means to extend her personal journey. Through her lens, she tells not only her own stories but also yours and more, aiming to capture the heart and soul of her surroundings authentically.
Her deep dedication and curiosity for the diversity of cultures provide a fresh perspective on a world she continually rediscovers. She endeavors to bridge the past and the present, exploring how relationships and connections in our globalized world can transcend beliefs and systems.
This approach invites the audience to actively engage with her work, en couraging them to explore their own sense of interconnectedness, be liefs, and identities. Her art serves as an inspiration for viewers to form their own personal interpretations.
Marie’s entire photographic series maintains a natural connection, a magical outcome of her four years of full-time travel supported by her studio lighting. During each location visit, she spent two months cap turing at least four subjects, creating series of portraits and social doc umentaries. While there were challenges inherent to each country and environment, she viewed them as both the beauty and the essence of her exploration.
Embracing digital media allowed for fruitful collaborations with fellow creatives like Edwin Veer, who contributed to the growth of the project, adding depth and enhancing post-production. Edwin Veer, known for his work with renowned artists such as Edwin Olaf and Jimmy Nelson, played a crucial role in elevating her work to new heights.
“I have learnt that nothing is permanent and you must create what moves you”
This sociological project focuses on various urban environments, emphasizing the interconnectedness of communities. It examines the influence of globalization on youth, their mental health, and their evolution within their communities and the world.