TABLEAUX D'HISTOIRE

Tableaux d’Histoire is a project that has already run for some years, in which the frequently honoured Magnum photographer De Keyzer (b. 1958) comments on the concept of ‘news’ in an unorthodox and ironic manner. During stereotypical ‘press events’ such as an international summit in Davos or a debutante ball in Paris, he records not what happens in front of the footlights, but the spectacle that takes place on the sidelines, or behind the scenes. The composition, lighting and large format of the photographs refers explicitly to 19th century history painting. Obviously, he only shows or publishes the results much later, when the event itself has long ceased to have any news value.