X Z A V I O N
L O U I S
ARTISTS AT WORK RUBY GODDARD-WATTS
SPEOS 32W PHOTOJOURNALISM 2022
XZAVION LOUIS PARIS, 2021.11.01
PREFACE Inspiration comes in all forms. When the expressions of one’s mind fills a canvas, we as the audience are provided with a visual representation of an artist. A visual process that cannot be expressed in words. Through photography I create my own interpretation of an artist’s consciousness when their vision is realised. Xzavion Louis, a fashion design student, photographer, painter… “artists in all forms”. The first documented artist for this long-term project - Artists at Work – portraying an the inventive process of individuals. In this documentary, I am simply a fly on the wall. Xzavion takes himself to his creative world and reveals to me, who he is as a person, a thinker and an artist. I refrained from conversation with Xzavion in the hope that he will not change his personality just because my camera is present.
‘Seeing is believing’ means that ‘I’ll believe it when I see it’, but it also means that ‘what I see, I’ll believe.’ Zygmunt Bauman
POST-TRUTH PROTESTING PARIS, 2021 - 2022
PREFACE This project explores how society in the post-truth era has blurred the lines between opinion and reality when photojournalism is portrayed in the media. In this series, my photos represent my experiences at multiple different protests in Paris. These photos have been placed in association with comments I found online. This is the start of a long-term series that will comment on the power a single photograph has as it presents only one frozen moment yet we are left with an assumption of the entire event and rarely we wonder what else happened. My goal is for you, as the viewer, to digest all the information I am providing. Then ask yourself, what do you see? Then ask yourself, what do you believe?
@Ti-Tang (Article Comment) ‘I’m very much afraid that this initiative will turn into a blood sausage!’
France 24 Article Quote - Lisa, retired health worker ‘People need to see us, and to listen to the people who just want to live a normal and free life.’
@_AlexBPsych (Twitter Comment) ‘I think a gilet jaune protest is our only chance of not getting hammered tonight’
@CamaradeCharles (Twitter Comment) ‘But in reality putting on a yellow vest and stomping on the Champs Elysees to demand a rise in the minimum wage will bring you more than going to mass or saying five prayers a day. Think of life on Earth because you will only have that and nothing else.’
France 24 on Macron’s statement ‘The government has expressed some sympathy for the protesters. Just two months ahead of presidential elections and with [Macron] desperate to avoid violent scenes in the capital, Macron said Friday he understood the “fatigue” linked to the Covid-19 pandemic. “This fatigue also leads to anger. I understand it and I respect it. But I call for the utmost calm.”
2022.04.24 PROTEST AGAINST MACRON’S RE-ELECTION
2022.05.01 MAY DAY
Black Bloc Noun
noun : Black Bloc ; plural noun : Black Blocs A radical anarchist group whose members dress all in black and conceal their identities when protesting. “the Black Bloc in Brazil says it exists to protect other protesters”
@CivicioY (Twitter Comment) ‘Charge of extreme violence a woman seriously injured on the skull.’
‘It is no longer possible to comment on this article.’
RUBY GODDARD-WATTS I am a documentary, fashion and sport photographer based in Paris, France. Originally from the UK. My style of photography is based on observing people and capturing their essence with warm and bright tones. I love all aspects of photography but currently specialise in documenting Paris Fashion Week and the demonstrations throughout Paris. I tend to work more on long-term projects with a conceptual approach as I love to explore different challenges we face in today’s society.
Website: rgwphotos.com Email: ruby@rgwphotos.com Instagram: rubyg.w