My artistic training and sensitive personality come together in a highly intuitive way of working. I create photographs that move to the rhythm of feeling, that touch the viewer or make fabrics and textures tangible. But above all, I seek images in which these two aspects converge. An image that speaks softly and moves motionlessly.
Natural textures and human complexity are key sources of inspiration. It fascinates me to reflect upon what we, as individuals, consider to be beautiful. With an eye for vulnerability and subtlety, my photos explore the things that inspire confidence, and those that challenge. For what attracts, but also deviates.
In my previous publication, Emile - De schoonheid van imperfectie (Emile – the beauty of imperfection), I presented portraits of fifty-one children with Down’s syndrome. I am currently working on a new series that depicts the fragility of the skin in all its beauty.
I also photograph fashion and lifestyle campaigns and collection images for (fashion) brands. Partners who share my vision about sustainability, craftsmanship and quality, and who allow me to shape their visual identity. They rely on my idiosyncratic perspective and love of natural light to capture their collections and ideas. In doing so, they increase their recognisability and tell a unique visual story to the outside world.
A third great fascination of mine is photographing portraits for magazines. I love meeting these people and the stories they tell. Every shoot is an experience that I translate into images. You could already see commissioned work in Bloovi Magazine, Psychologie Magazine, Rosie Magazine and Klasse.
Since 2015, I’m working full time as an independent photographer.
You can view more of my work in my portfolio or via Instagram. Would you like to collaborate on a project about vulnerability that accords with my vision and style? Or would you like me to photograph a fashion or lifestyle campaign, or an editorial? Contact me and I will gladly listen to your request.
Emilie Bonjé
Work
Independent photographer since 2016
Publications
A.o. The Guardian, L’Oeil de la Photographie, Life Framer, De Morgen, Xeno Magazine, Knack Weekend, View Magazine, Breedbeeld, Psychologie Magazine, Bloovi Magazine, Charlie Magazine, Steps Magazine, De Gentenaar, Mooi Magazine, Hooligans Magazine
(publications of commissioned works and personal projects)
Education
2007-2008 Master in Visual Arts, Experimental School, LUCA School of Arts - Ghent, Belgium
2004-2007 Bachelor’s in Visual Arts, Experimental School, LUCA School of Arts - Ghent, Belgium
2003-2004 Visual Arts, Painting, LUCA School of Arts - Ghent, Belgium
Thesis: “Physical and Mental Aspects of Depth Perception in Art”
Mentorship
2019-2020 MENTORMENTOR, an intensive group program for selected photographers who are working autonomously on an oeuvre.
2018: MENTORMENTOR, an individual program.
Book
‘Emile, the beauty of imperfection’, hard cover, 144 pages, ISBN 9789082504705
Awards
Black and White, Life Framer, honorable mention, 2022
Unknown Masterpieces, Photofestival Knokke-Heist, 2021
Outside, Bosland, 2020
Fotonale Bruges, 2016
Twens | Unexposed Leuven, 2014
32nd International Photo Festival Knokke-Heist, 2010
Preselection of the Canvas Collection Ghent, 2010
Emerging Talents from Belgian Schools of Photography Brussel, 2008
Preselection of the Canvas Collection Ghent, 2008
All True Artists Antwerp, 2007
Exhibitions
’Crust’ at Fik, Ghent.
‘Crust’ at Atelier Jules August, Ghent, 2021.
Unknown Masterpieces, Photo Knokke-Heist, 2021
Group exhibition MENTORMENTOR, Blanco Ghent, 2021
Group exhibition with Sylvie De Meerleer, Biekorf Bruges, 2021
Buy Local, Kunsthal Ghent, 2020
Solo exhibition, Library Lebbeke, 2018
Solo exhibition, CC De Factorij Zaventem, 2018
Solo exhibition, CC De Velinx Tongeren, 2017
Solo exhibition, De Ververij Ronse, 2017
Group exhibition, Fotonale Bruges, 2016
Group exhibition, Het Objectief Ghent, 2016
Solo exhibition ‘Emile, the beauty of imperfection’, St Nicholas’ Church Ghent, 2016
Photo circuit Unexposed, Twens Leuven, 2014
Beeldruim Exposeert, Huset Ghent, 2012
Beeldruim Exposeert, Meerseniersstraat Ghent, 2012
Solo exhibition, AZ Sint-Lucas Ghent, 2012
Group exhibition, Surface by Re-Found, Van Crombrugge’s Genootschap Ghent, 2012
Shop Window Art Exhibition, Meerseniersstraat Ghent, 2011
Pop-up art sale by AmuseeVous, Gandavus Portus Art Boat Ghent, 2011
’32ste International photofestival Knokke-Heist, 2010
Opa’s First B-day Mechelen, 2010
Group exhibition, View Magazine, Le Botanique Brussels, 2009
Group exhibition, Caleidoscoop Drongen, 2009
Out of Control, VUB Galerie Y’ Brussels, 2008
3 in 1, Nuit Blanche 2008, Botanique Brussels, 2008
Emerging Talents from Belgian Schools of Photography, La Cambre Brussels, 2008
Alles Kan Festival, Genste Feesten, 2008
Mastermarathon, Sint-Lucas Ghent, 2008
Extra Etage, Extra City Antwerp, 2008
All True Artists bij Lucy, Antwerp, 2007
Bevangen, Vismijn Nieuwpoort, 2007
Project Slachthuisstraat Ghent, 2007