Hans Silvester, arguably the photographer who has sold the most photography books on the planet, continues to push the boundaries of where photographic art can be displayed. His photographic images, as he likes to present his works, can be found everywhere - from the most unexpected to the most unusual locations. The renowned photographer is not only a bestselling artist but also the most actively involved in exhibitions of his own work.
Two weeks ago, Silvester presented his latest masterpiece at the famous Puyricard Agar Museum in Cavaillon, created by Renard Pâle Editions. While some expected just another book to add to Master Silvester's impressive portfolio, visitors discovered something entirely different - a magnificent original work of art produced in only 30 copies. The piece features Hans' iconic images taken in Japan in 1968, paired with eternal haikus, all assembled in a display that is both sumptuous and ingenious.
The artwork presents viewers with an original photograph in a perfectly finished black American frame. Behind this frame, when removed from its wall mount, a discrete hidden compartment reveals access to a book with magical binding that opens on one side to the Japanese version and on the other side to the French version. What makes this truly extraordinary is that both versions are integrated onto the same images, creating magical tabs. Adding to the exceptional nature of this piece are authentic seals created by Japanese masters and texts calligraphed by another grand master, immersing viewers in the exceptional universe of instinctual poetry without need for further explanation.
According to general consensus, the pétanque exhibition at the Arlaten Museum, associated with the 2024 Arles Photography Festival, was the most beautiful showcase of that year's program. In 2025, the exhibition has spawned multiple installations, either traveling or inspiring new versions. The exhibition can now be found at the Municipal Museum of the City of Marseille, as well as in Pertuis where it was installed this summer, and in Paris since last Friday at the "Les Amies Rouges" bookstore.
Meanwhile, Silvester's graphic constructions of fences and wooden houses from the Omo Valley were displayed in the square of Nasbinals for PhotAubrac, while his chicken photographs are exhibited at Aubrac in the botanical garden. His important series of scarecrows, in various configurations, can be found in numerous outdoor spaces - from Peter Fischer's vineyards in Jouque to the gardens of Villa Simone in Six Fours, and in Rimoulès. His Japan series is currently showing in Brittany at Daoulas.
Silvester's "flower children" photographs, which were highly appreciated at this year's Kyotography festival in Japan, are now installed at Le Bleuet bookstore in Banon. The list becomes endless with these overlapping exhibitions across mythical locations, municipal gardens, and natural spaces that Hans particularly appreciates. When you meet Hans Silvester, he is always expected somewhere the next day, either for an exhibition opening or a book signing, both built around his works.
Why and how is this constant activity possible? The answer is simple: Hans' photographs are excellent, with quality in all their aspects. Moreover, these are images that tell stories, that interest viewers, that raise questions, and even move people emotionally. The public never tires of them and draws from the diversity of this author's work, always on the lookout for new series to discover. Good photography imposes its own seduction, and Silvester's work continues to prove this truth across countless venues and formats.
