Renowned French author Daniel Pennac has collaborated with gastroenterologist-turned-photographer Laurent Mallet to create "The Novel of Gazes," a unique literary and photographic work that captures visitors contemplating art in museums. The book, published by Philippe Rey, features 59 chapters by Pennac paired with 80 photographs by Mallet, creating what Pennac describes as "the absolute anti-selfie."
The extraordinary collaboration began when Pennac noticed a man photographing museum visitors from behind as they leaned in to examine paintings at the Pompidou Center in Paris. Later, when Pennac visited a gastroenterologist for a medical consultation, he discovered that his doctor, Laurent Mallet, was the same photographer he had observed. "This kind of thing only happens to me," writes the creator of the beloved Malaussène saga.
The resulting book presents a fascinating harmony between visitors and artworks, with nearly every photograph capturing a moment where "art and life come together," as Pennac explains. The project represents an unprecedented fusion of literature, visual art, and photography, offering readers a contemplative journey through the museum experience.
In an interview, Pennac elaborated on the genesis of this unusual project and its deeper meaning. The collaboration emerged from a genuine friendship between the two men, united by their shared fascination with the quiet, intimate moments when people encounter art. Mallet's photographs capture these unguarded instances of contemplation, while Pennac's prose provides literary context and reflection.
The book stands as a counterpoint to contemporary culture's obsession with self-documentation, instead focusing on moments of genuine engagement with artistic works. By photographing visitors from behind as they study paintings and sculptures, Mallet creates a visual narrative about the relationship between observer and observed, between the contemporary viewer and timeless art.
This innovative work challenges traditional boundaries between different artistic mediums, creating what Pennac calls "a savory book, a sort of literary, pictorial and photographic UFO." The collaboration represents both authors' commitment to exploring new forms of artistic expression while celebrating the enduring power of art to inspire quiet contemplation and personal reflection.
