Totems, Shanghai Through the Lens of Photographer Alain Delorme
Alain Delorme is a renowned French photographer who, in 2010, unveiled the 'Totems' series, photographs capturing his vision of Shanghai today.
Alain Delorme is a renowned French photographer who, in 2010, unveiled the 'Totems' series, photographs capturing his vision of Shanghai today.
Created from thousands of photographs during his extended stay in Shanghai, the French artist revealed in 2010 his photographic series titled TOTEMS. Struck by the sight of bicycle couriers struggling beneath the weight of their cargo, the photographer decided to make them the subject of his photographic reportage and denounce this new temple of consumption through a reshaped vision of new Chine urbanism.
Indeed, through these images depicting couriers buckling under precarious mountains of ordinary products, Alain Delorme wished to unveil his perspective on Shanghai's skyward expansion and the overconsumption that characterizes modern society.
Presented as emblems of society, these delivery workers represent a subverted image of a modern world drowning in consumption. By freezing the victims of this ever-more covetous world, Alain Delorme also highlights the stark inequalities of wealth.
Although the photographs have been retouched to enhance colors and amplify the quantity of objects being transported, the message remains no less powerful.
To discover the complete Totems series, visit Alain Delorme's official website.
Frequently asked questions
Alain Delorme is a recognized French photographer and visual artist known for his engaged photographic series addressing social themes. He is particularly celebrated for his 'Totems' series, created in Shanghai, which illustrates overconsumption and social inequalities through images of bicycle couriers transporting mountains of objects.
'Totems' is a photographic series created in 2010 by Alain Delorme during his stay in Shanghai. It features bicycle couriers transporting precarious and towering stacks of consumer products. The photographs, retouched to amplify colors and artificially increase the quantity of objects, denounce overconsumption and new Chine urbanism.
Yes, Alain Delorme retouched his photographs from the Totems series to enhance colors and artificially increase the quantity of objects transported by the couriers. This artistic technique reinforces the critical message about overconsumption without diminishing its symbolic impact.
The Totems series is available on Alain Delorme's official website. It has also been exhibited in various contemporary art galleries in France and internationally. We invite you to consult the artist's website to learn about current exhibitions and events.
Through the Totems series, Alain Delorme aims to denounce rampant overconsumption and social inequalities in modern Chine. By depicting couriers crushed beneath the weight of ordinary merchandise, he critiques Shanghai's economic expansion and sheds light on those who, in the shadows, literally bear the weight of this consumer society.
