© Bernard MATUSSIERE

A Parisian State of Mind

A Parisian is someone born in Paris, France, or who lives there. Photographer Bernard MatusSIERE is a true Parisian, born and raised on the Île Saint-Louis in the Seine, who crossed the river every day on his way to school, gazing at Notre Dame Cathedral.

His father was an inspector for the hotel and restaurant guide "MICHELIN," and his mother was an editor at the fashion magazine "ELLE." His mother was also responsible for the art direction when "ELLE" was first launched in Japan.
Born and raised in such a family and environment, I would like to discuss how Bernard became a photographer, his thoughts and feelings about photography, and his Parisian philosophy, while introducing his work.

We will leave the stories of his childhood for when he publishes his autobiography someday. For now, I want to talk about Bernard from the time he became independent and started working.

© Bernard MATUSSIERE

At 17, Bernard began an apprenticeship at the photo developing lab of "ELLE," where his mother worked. He wasn't particularly interested in developing or printing photos at the time. However, he had already been taking pictures with a Rolleiflex camera his mother had given him when he was 15, so he wasn't particularly resistant and became interested in the lab work.

The Rolleiflex is a square, box-shaped camera. You look down into the top of the box to take a picture, so you shoot with your head bowed as if you were bowing. It looks like a camera used by professional photographers and was equipped with a Zeiss lens. Although Bernard's mother owned such a camera, she had no interest in taking photos herself and only used it to document family and children.

I don't know if there was a trend among Parisians at the time to use a Rolleiflex with a Zeiss lens for family photos, but it's certain that his mother valued family photographs.

Parisians of that era seem so wonderful.

© Bernard MATUSSIERE

SUTDIO MULLER

Six months after his apprenticeship, he became an employee at the "ELLE" photo developing lab.
Given it was "ELLE," the lab work varied, but by handling prints for many famous photographers, he honed his skills in black and white printing.

A year after starting at the "ELLE" photo developing lab, Bernard was invited by photographer Emile MULLER, who was shooting for "ELLE" at the time, to "Start my own photo studio and lab. Won't you join me?"

Muller was a photographer who often shot magazine and news photos, and had no experience in studio work or lab operations.
Muller was one of France's leading photographers, active at the same time as well-known figures like Robert DOISNEAU, Willy RONIS, Robert CAPA, and André KERTESZ. He passed away in 1996.

Bernard, who was also developing an interest in taking photographs, accepted Muller's offer without hesitation and left the "ELLE" lab in February 1968, after two years of employment.

© Bernard MATUSSIERE (with a work by Dubuffet and Mr. Muller)

Muller and Bernard's photo studio and lab were located in the Montparnasse area of Paris's 14th arrondissement. It was named STUDIO MULLER.

The Montparnasse area was a hub for many painters and writers at the time. Cafés like "Le Closerie des Lilas," frequented by Hemingway, and "La Coupole," a brasserie popular with painters influenced by Surrealism, were also near their studio.

Initially, their studio primarily handled fashion and advertising photography. However, many painters active in the area also frequently visited to have their works documented.

Picasso, Cocteau, César, Miró, and Dubuffet were among those who brought their works to the studio.

© Bernard MATUSSIERE

One day, a Japanese painter who frequented the studio suddenly asked Bernard, "Are you interested in going to Japan?"

Faced with this unexpected question from a Japanese painter, Bernard's reaction—whether it was due to the questioner's nationality, the suddenness of the inquiry, fear of refusal, or a sense of indifference—is unclear.

He doesn't seem to have had any particular feelings, but Bernard clearly replied, "Of course, I'm interested!"
Despite his clear answer, Bernard, still only 20 years old, hadn't actually considered going to distant Japan alone.

© Bernard MATUSSIERE