In Conversation with Alexei Riboud: Photography, Heritage, and Finding One's Path
I don't mind admitting that Alexei Riboud kind of terrifies me. He comes from art world grace, really. Barbara Chase-Riboud is his mother, Marc Riboud is his father, and so his kind of understanding of art, it's pure and instinctive, right? I've studied it for years he grew up with it. There's a different thing here. And you see that in the work for sure. He's got a fluency that it's extraordinary. But what I love about being able to interview artists is that you learn something new when you speak to them. And today I realize that actually Alexi is a photographer in spite of the fact that he was raised by artists. This wasn't something that was like a foregone conclusion and not something that maybe they even encouraged. He found photography kind of in spite of where he comes from. And again, I think you see that in the work because it's raw and honest and there's no sentimentality to it. It's just extraordinary. Like him.
-Carrie
In a fascinating conversation with photographer Alexei Riboud, we delve into the unique perspective of someone who grew up immersed in the art world yet carved his own distinct path. As the son of renowned artists Barbara Chase-Riboud and Marc Riboud, Alexei's journey into photography wasn't a straightforward inheritance but rather a personal discovery.
Art World Legacy
What's particularly striking about Alexei is his candid acknowledgment of his artistic lineage while maintaining his individual identity. He speaks of his father's work with intimate familiarity - memories of slide carousel projections and witnessing the photographic process firsthand. Yet, interestingly, his mother's sculptural and written work remains somewhat mysterious to him, creating an intriguing dynamic in his artistic development.
The Evolution of Influence
Early in his career, Riboud aligned himself more with William Klein's energetic style than his father's work - a natural act of artistic independence. However, he now appreciates what he calls "a balance of the two," acknowledging the value in both Klein's dynamic "in-your-face" approach and his father's tender, humanistic perspective.
A Personal Connection to Photography
Perhaps most revealing is Riboud's explanation of why he chose photography as his medium. He describes himself as someone who loves silence and solitude, yet seeks connection with the world. Photography provides this perfect balance - allowing him to be present in life's movements while maintaining his contemplative nature.
The Art of Exchange
A particularly fascinating anecdote reveals how he once traded one of his father's prints for a William Klein photograph - the famous portrait of the smoking veiled woman. This glimpse into the photography world's practice of print exchange adds a layer of historical interest to the conversation.
Current Work and Approach
When discussing his recent work in Panama, Riboud reveals his thoughtful approach to documentary photography. His focus on the Afro-Caribbean community in Colón demonstrates his interest in telling stories of communities at the margins, showing how he combines social consciousness with artistic vision.
Final Thoughts
What emerges from this conversation is a portrait of an artist who has found his own voice while thoughtfully engaging with his artistic heritage. Riboud's journey shows that even when born into artistic royalty, the path to becoming an artist is deeply personal and must be discovered on one's own terms.