From Travelling Communities to Parisian Cabarets: Maxwell Aurelien James
CHEZ LES GITANS / AUXERRE 2015
Photo Reporter of the Social Outcast
October 4th, 2023
By Anna Prudhomme @annaprudhomme
It’s in the middle of the Parc des Buttes Chaumont in Paris that I met French photographer Maxwell Aurélien. We sat on the grass and talked, while he calmly kept throwing a stick to his baby dog. Born in Burgundy, France, Maxwell’s photography is renowned for his striking black-and-white photography. From the lively party scenes of the French Riviera to the traveller community near his hometown, or the enchanting world of Parisian cabarets, his camera skilfully captures these moments’ essence. Guided by his inherent curiosity and a deep love for spontaneous beauty, Maxwell's photography is a powerful and emotive art form in every shot he takes.
La nuit on ment, Work in Progress
Anna Prudhomme: Hi Maxwell, could you begin by telling me about how you first got into photography?
Maxwell Aurélien: It all began quite unexpectedly, around twelve years ago, after I left the high-end watchmaking scene and decided to let go of the pursuit of material and social success.
I can remember nights when sleep eluded me; and restlessness pushed me to venture out into the dark. Living in Cannes [on the French Rivera] at the time, I got the idea to snap some photos at clubs and evening events. The nightlife became a simple yet effective way to connect with people; it was a perfect excuse to have a good time while seeing where the night would lead me. And that's how my passion for photography took flight!
Kanye West, L'ARC PARIS
Jessica Alba, L'ARC PARIS
AP: What then led you to shift away from photographing the nightlife scene?
MA: Well, it didn't take long for me to grow weary of that whole scene, to be honest. It's a pretty phoney environment. You capture shots of celebrities and see your photos in magazines, and yet, you're not making a dime out of it. It was frustratingly complicated, but at the same time, there was something about it that intrigued me. I've always been a night owl - staying up late, waking up late - and the whole nightlife atmosphere had its own allure.
In 2014, Paris became my new playground. I swiftly immersed myself in the world of clubs on the Champs-Élysées, and then into the domain of modelling agencies. As my experiences in the nightlife and photojournalism intertwined, I discovered a new passion - reporting. The dream of becoming a war photographer began to take shape. The nightlife, in a way, became a means to sustain myself financially, allowing me the freedom to pursue my aspirations.
“It wasn't just about the glamour anymore; it was about uncovering the raw realities of the world...”
So, I made a conscious decision to challenge myself further. I saw the night as a testing ground, pushing myself to explore new territories and chase after my dreams. It wasn't just about the glamour anymore; it was about uncovering the raw realities of the world and telling stories that truly mattered.
Soon after, the appeal of investigative work and the opportunity to gain a profound understanding of the subjects I was documenting, captivated me. It was a calling that I couldn't ignore.
Rhianna, Paris, 2015
AP: What was the first subject you got interested in as a photo reporter?
MA: In 2013, my journey took a meaningful turn when I started following a traveling community in Burgundy. This experience led me to create an exhibition that shed light on the challenges of sedentary migration. From a young age, my parents instilled in me the importance of basic courtesies like saying, "hello," "thank you", and "goodbye". These simple values of curiosity, empathy, and genuine interest in others have been my guiding principles. I believe that through listening and understanding, we can achieve remarkable things.
The traveling community I encountered was facing difficulties due to a city policy that aimed to settle them down, providing them with small houses equipped with basic amenities. At the same time, it became evident that photography was not just a profession but a way of life for me. So, I made a significant shift in my focus, leaving the nightlife scene behind and delving further into photography. And in 2014 I had an exhibition centered around these traveller communities and sedentary migrations in Burgundy.
“I believe that through listening and understanding, we can achieve remarkable things.”
The thirst for exploration led me on a new adventure – a motorcycle journey that took me to Spain and Portugal, where I documented the lives of several motorcycle communities. For months, I roamed on my bike, constantly immersing myself in different spheres.
Today, photography is a way of life, a passion. When I miss a photo, I scream and tear my hair out. I'm really passionate about it. I don't see anyone when I've got a camera. It's all-consuming.
AP: From there, how did you begin working on the project La Nuit On Ment?
MA: As fulfilling as this nomadic lifestyle was, I soon faced the reality of financial limitations. Wanderlust alone couldn't sustain me economically, prompting the need for a balance between passion and pragmatism.
Back in Paris for a year, I started a Tumblr account called La nuit on ment (the night, we lie). I wanted to document the nightlife scenes in places like the 18ᵉ arrondissement and Pigalle. Naturally, this led me to the world of cabarets, where I discovered a whole new community. It was an incredible journey, filled with extraordinary encounters and amazing support from the people I met. One special place that stood out was the Manko Cabaret, which I proudly documented for three and a half years. It was an unforgettable experience capturing the essence of these nights.
I've got these incredible archives that I haven't shared yet, and I always thought it would be amazing to celebrate and compile them into a book after ten or twenty years. When I was shooting there, there was this generation of young designers - many of them are now well-established names on the fashion calendar - and they all came to the Manko Cabaret.
Mimi Manko Caberet
AP: Could you talk me through what the parties were like at Le Manko?
MA: Those parties had their unique vibe and codes, but what struck me the most was the sense of freedom that pervaded the atmosphere. It was a place where everyone felt liberated to be themselves. I absolutely loved witnessing this diverse mix of people - all these young, creative souls fresh out of fashion school, decked out in their thrift store finds. They exuded this beautiful energy and effortlessly connected with the established fashion crowd that was already there. It was like a bridge, bringing together different worlds and fostering a truly inspiring and inclusive space.
It's through your experience in a nightclub, or in a place where the music and light change very quickly, that you can come to understand the dynamics and physics of a reportage photoshoot. You learn to quickly identify the shapes of unique earrings, distinctive jewellery, or any fascinating detail and aim to capture the best shots in the blink of an eye.
In fact, that's what interested me, to see passionate people, almost naked, sometimes dressed up, extroverted, free, liberated, even drugged. There was this intriguing mix, a contrast between them and the very affluent guests who arrived in expensive three-piece suits with bottles of champagne worth ten or even 15,000 euros on their tables. But the thing is that they came to educate themselves, and see the show!
Manko Cabaret
Allanah Star, Fantasma Erotica Circus
AP: And what are you working on right now?
MA: My most recent project revolves around a captivating exhibition on the sex-positive parties and community in Paris, with a focus on the theme of consent. It's a doubly political subject as the parties attract a diverse and varied crowd, embracing different genders, sexualities, and sexual practices. These parties are set against the backdrop of vibrant electronic music, providing a safe and intimate space for people to freely express themselves.
“I always ask for their permission before taking any pictures, even if they're in the midst of their intimate moments. Consent is paramount in my approach…”
As a photographer, my role during these events is to observe and capture the moments as they unfold. I remain unobtrusive, polite, and discreet while keeping an eye out for the right lighting and perfect moments to freeze in time. There's an intriguing energy that surrounds these gatherings, and I try to harness it in my photos.
When I'm at these events, I make sure to take my time on the first evening, not rushing into snapping too many photos. It's essential to build trust and respect with the people there. I always ask for their permission before taking any pictures, even if they're in the midst of their intimate moments. Consent is paramount in my approach, and I want everyone to feel comfortable and empowered during these gatherings.
Over time, as I've become a familiar face, the attendees have grown comfortable with my presence. This mutual understanding allows me to go deeper into the essence of the sex-positive community and capture genuine moments that truly reflect the freedom and liberation people experience during these extraordinary nights.
Limelight Party
Mood, Manko Cabaret
AP: Why do you only shoot in black and white?
MA: In my personal life, I have a deep connection with emotions. I'm sensitive, sometimes nervous, and even a bit capricious. I can be a bit obtuse at times too, but it's nothing to worry about - it's just who I am. I laugh, I cry, I smile' - emotions flow freely through me.
And that's where black and white photography comes into play. It allows me to freeze those moments and capture the essence of emotions. It's like sublimating the feeling and stripping away distractions to reveal the raw emotion within. For example, if someone is wearing red clothes and turns around with a smile, in colour, you’d see the red, but in black and white, the smile takes centre stage. That's what really moves me.
Photography, especially in black and white, is my way of expression. Whether I'm shooting fashion, movement, or portraits, I never shy away from using black and white because it feels right to me. It's like a part of my heart, giving my images a certain intensity and depth.
“I laugh, I cry, I smile' - emotions flow freely through me.”
Now, when it comes to colour, I haven't quite found my perfect match yet. It's not that I don't want to explore colour; it just hasn't clicked with me in the same way as black and white. I'm constantly trying and experimenting, hoping to discover that missing piece that will make colour photography just as fulfilling for me.
Maybe one day, I'll find that harmony,
AP: That’s incredible, thanks so much for speaking with me Maxwell.
L’Arc Paris
Editor’s Note:
Public Offerings Magazine acknowledges its international audience and has mediated some language within this interview. Certain descriptive words, whilst not used in a pejorative way by either the artist or writer, have international contexts and uses that can cause offense. Public Offerings Magazine is a space for inclusive exploration of art and ideas, we reserve the right to moderate and provide content warnings where applicable.
About Maxwell Aurelien James
Maxwell Aurélien James lives in Paris and has made a name for himself as a street and documentary photographer. Besides motorcycles, Paris nightlife is also one of his passions, which he usually captures in striking and direct black and white photos.