SLEEK Editions: In Conversation with Arnaud Ele

Cameroon-born, France and Switzerland-raised, Arnaud Ele became known not only for his fashion photography but also for his documentary series in Switzerland and Cameroon, as well as his many video collaborations with artists, singers and dancers from the art scene in Berlin and Switzerland.

Wherever he goes, he focuses on the notion of intimacy. Wondering about the ways of inhabiting the territories and their uses, as well as the way in which nature and human occupation intertwine, he has always endeavoured to push back the limits of the documentary. He reveals, under the innocuous appearance of its scenes, hidden stories. He defends the view of the human eye as a method of recording and intimacy as a mode of description. His photographic work is the continuity of his training as a filmmaker: the intuitive scenario of the image, the exploration of new narrative forms representing the moment with veracity. His artwork is available online at SLEEK store.

SLEEK: What attracts you to photography?

Arnaud Ele: I am fascinated by bringing together different elements; the model, the scene, the lighting, the team. It’s all about the moment. Photography is my way of capturing this.

S: What were the inspirations for the editorial ‘Gravity,’ featured in SLEEK 69 – Courage?

AE: Gravity was really inspired by the feeling of working with others. The shoot brought together different cultures, styles, perceptions and energies together. When all of these elements come together as one, that’s when the magic happens. That’s when you feel as though you’re in another universe, beyond the bounds of gravity. It’s a truly special feeling. 

S: What is the meaning behind the title?

AE: We shot at a time when we were slowly emerging from the pandemic, and to experience such an energetic day with creative people was incredible. We were all being inspired by one another, nothing was superficial. Gravity refers to this feeling through a metaphor of space, where anything is possible.

S: How was the energy on set on the day of shooting?

AE: It was a very spontaneous and intuitive shoot; both of these things are an important part of my process. I need freedom in order to create my art. There was a lot of adrenaline on the shoot, from us all collectively bouncing off one another. 

S: What sort of memories do these images evoke in you?

AE: The images remind me of the magic of working with other people. You don’t always realise how incredible a moment is when you’re in it, it’s only when you step away that you see how amazing it was. These images remind me of the adrenaline, the energy, the tension, the attitude, the direction, the talent – the magic. 

S: How does it feel knowing your images will be displayed in people’s homes?

AE: It’s a surreal kind of feeling, but I guess I can best describe it as pride. Pride for myself but also for the team, for everyone who was involved. That feeling is the reason I do what I do. I’m always chasing it. 

SLEEK EDITIONS assembles artworks of different artists that were published in the past SLEEK issues. You can purchase Arnaud Ele’s ‘Gravity’ series or explore all photographers of SLEEK EDITIONS on SLEEK Laden.