NEWS
BIOGRAPHY
Dan Aucante
Born in 1965 in a small town in France, Dan Aucante developed a passion for photography at an early age, inspired by the black-and-white images of his family’s old photo albums and the classic films he watched on television. His journey into photography began with a simple point-and-shoot camera, capturing moments of everyday life in his hometown.
After moving to Paris in his early twenties, Aucante immersed himself in the city’s vibrant art scene, studying photography formally and experimenting with analogue techniques. His early work focused on portraits of artists and musicians, reflecting his fascination with human expression and creativity.
In the 1990s, Aucante transitioned to social documentary photography, exploring themes of community, identity, and urban life. His work during this period was exhibited in local galleries and published in several French photography magazines.
The birth of his first child marked a turning point in Aucante’s career, leading to the creation of his most personal project, “Le Temps des Grenadines.” This long-term series, spanning over a decade, explores childhood, memory, and the passage of time through a blend of staged and candid photographs, primarily featuring his sons. The project has been widely acclaimed for its universal themes and timeless aesthetic, earning Aucante international recognition.
Aucante is known for his commitment to analogue black-and-white photography, using cameras like the Hasselblad, Pentax 6x7, and Holga to achieve distinct textures and moods. His prints, limited to 15 copies each, are meticulously crafted in the darkroom, reflecting his hands-on approach to the medium.
In recent years, Aucante has begun exploring digital photography and color with his new series, “Fire Game,” which focuses on adolescence. This shift represents a bold evolution in his practice, while maintaining his signature emphasis on narrative and emotion.
Aucante’s work has been exhibited globally, including at the Pyngiao International Festival in China, and is represented by Dominique Charlet. His photographs are held in private collections and have been featured in publications such as Schwarzweiss and Réponses Photo.
Influenced by photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Richard Avedon, and Klavdij Sluban, Aucante’s work is characterized by its poetic interplay of light, shadow, and storytelling. He continues to live and work in Paris, balancing his artistic practice with his role as a father, which remains a central inspiration in his photography.
Selected Exhibitions:
• Pyngiao International Festival, China (2015, 2016)
• Galerie de l’Instant, Paris (2012)
• Fotofever Art Fair, Brussels (2010)
Selected Publications:
• Schwarzweiss, Issue 110, January 2016
• Réponses Photo Hors-Série, Issue 11, November 2010
Awards:
• Prix de la Photographie Paris (Px3), Honorable Mention, 2014
• International Photography Awards, 2nd Place, Fine Art, 2013
Contact:
Represented by Dominique Charlet
Email:
Website: