Thomas Dhellemmes has been passionate about photography since his childhood. After studying applied art, he went to live in the Cape Verde Islands and, upon returning to Paris, decided to dedicate himself entirely to photography.
He made a living doing photographic commissions (lifestyle, gastronomy, luxury, …) for Atelier Mai 98 – the creative photography studio he founded – as well as doing personal artistic projects.
His creative work began with his Ektachrome photos that included “Un regard sur le Cap-Vert” (A look at Cape Verde) (1986-88) and “Promenades Silencieuses” (Silent Promenades) (1989). He then worked in black and white using Ilford film “Marié(e)s” (Brides and Grooms) (1990-98). Since 2000, he has mostly worked with a Polaroid SX-70 camera.
His photos speak of existence, of life’s fragility and its ephemeral qualities. He maintains a mysterious distance from his subject. “For me, taking photos has always been a strong action that I approach with modesty and rarity.
