Paul Marnef, a Belgian fine art photographer, presents his limited-edition fine art prints
Presenting my Imaginary Planets at Art Capital, at the Grand Palais in Paris, was an opportunity to meet visitors, artists and art professionals. Here, I reflect on this personal experience, the works on display and the exchanges that have enriched my work as a photographer.
A selection of limited-edition fine art photographic prints
As a professional fine art photographer, my ambition is to create unique visual works that engage with the imagination. Visitors were able to discover my contemporary landscape photographs, which reinterpret the conventions of reality. Each image is the result of an original shot, followed by a creative and demanding post-production process, giving rise to these small floating planets, suspended in space and time.
The formats available at my exhibitions range from 30×30 cm to 90×90 cm, with particular attention paid to presentation: ChromaLuxe finish with a shadow box frame, fine art photographic prints on Hahnemühle fine art paper mounted on Alu Dibond, or Plexi Diachrome mounting for a luminous and minimalist finish. These finishes enable every art lover or collector to find a piece that resonates with their interior or collection.
Art Capital: an unmissable art event
The Art Capital contemporary art fair at the Grand Palais in Paris is much more than just an exhibition. Every year, it brings together several hundred contemporary artists from across Europe. It is the venue where professional photographers, painters, sculptors, printmakers and visual artists can present their work to a wide audience of art enthusiasts, the media, gallery owners and art collectors.
For a fine art photographer like myself, exhibiting in this context is a wonderful opportunity to showcase my work, to exchange ideas with other creators, and to observe visitors’ reactions to my limited-edition fine art prints.
Guided by my coach, Julie Gammichia, whose approach rests on attentive listening and sincere empathy, I chose a minimalist exhibition design, faithful to the principle that ‘less is more’. The aim was to let the works breathe, offering visitors a direct encounter with my creations, free from visual clutter. Each Imaginary Planet could thus capture the viewer’s gaze and invite them to daydream, between heaven and earth, between contemporary photography and suspended imagination.
An artistic presence in Paris in two roles
At this contemporary art fair in Paris, I had two experiences in two different roles.
On the one hand, as you will have gathered, I had my own stand in the Insitu section of Art Capital. This was, in fact, the first time that Art Capital had allowed artists to exhibit their works on a stand entirely dedicated to them. There were around thirty of us artists who benefited from this incredible opportunity.
On the other hand, two of my photographs from the ‘Imaginary Planets’ series had been selected by the Salon des Artistes Français and were on public display as part of the photography selection.
About the Salon des Artistes Français
The SOCIETE DES ARTISTES FRANÇAIS association was founded in 1881 at the behest of the State, which wished for the historic Salon, established under Louis XIV, to be organised by the artists themselves from then on. From 1901 onwards, the GRAND PALAIS, designed and built by artists, all of whom were members, became the venue for the Salon and the association. Reference on this website.
Do you think art has taught me the gift of ubiquity?
Well, no! I must admit that for an artist, being in two places at once during the same art event is difficult to manage. I chose to prioritise my presence at my Insitu stand at Art Capital. It’s a choice I haven’t regretted, as I was able to engage with an audience passionate about art.
A tribute to Belgian fine art photography
I am delighted to have represented contemporary Belgian fine art photography on the international scene in my own way. My fine art photographs, exhibited in Paris, were warmly received, with enthusiastic feedback on the quality of the printing, the uniqueness of my visual world and the coherence of the series.
The choice of ChromaLuxe printing (using thermal sublimation on aluminium) has been particularly noted for its luminous finish, exceptional durability and vibrant colours. This type of fine art print is ideal for exhibitions, but also for art lovers seeking a refined and modern presentation.
Purple Reverie: the relief centrepiece that challenges conventions
At the centre of my in situ stand at Art Capital stood a unique work: Purple Reverie, a 90×90 cm print that marks a turning point in my artistic practice. This photograph is more than just a flat image; it comes to life in relief, playing with light and texture.
Inspired by contemporary sculpture, I wanted to give photography a new dimension, a physical presence that appeals to the eye as much as it does to the hand. Every hollow, every protrusion, alters perception depending on the angle from which it is viewed. The image literally comes to life through the interplay of light and shadow. This exploration of the third dimension opens up new perspectives for my work and elicits an enthusiastic response from the public.
You can learn more about this approach on the dedicated page of my website, where I describe my process and present other relief works.
Valuable encounters with artists, friends and art professionals
Exhibiting is also about meeting people. During these intense days, I had the immense pleasure of welcoming friends from Belgium and France, who were delighted to discover my Imaginary Planets in this prestigious venue. These reunions are precious moments that nourish my journey as an artist. They are so many kind and supportive glances that help me gauge how far I have come and look to the future with confidence.
I also met up with several members of the HANG’ART collective, led by Christelle Dupart, of which I am a member. This artists’ collective is a space for exchange where collective creativity is expressed without constraint. Meeting up in Paris in this context was a joyful occasion for sharing, where everyone was able to discover each other’s progress, exchange ideas and envisage future joint projects.
An inspiring encounter with Emmanuelle Callerame, founder of The New Curator
Among the highlights of this ART Capital event, I had the pleasure of welcoming Emmanuelle Callerame, founder of The New Curator. A true treasure hunter, Emmanuelle guides prospective buyers in their search for unique works, putting her expert eye at the service of those wishing to build a collection or simply find a gem that catches their eye.
Her curious and appreciative gaze upon my works, combined with the richness of our conversation, was a source of inspiration. Her approach, which blends passion and professionalism, demonstrates just how essential dialogue is between artists, collectors and art mediators. This encounter reinforces my belief that every work finds its audience when presented by passionate art mediators, capable of conveying the story and emotion behind it.
Collectors, art lovers and businesses: why acquire a photographic print?
Acquiring a limited-edition print supports contemporary creativity while enriching one’s visual environment. Whether for a private home, a professional space or a photographic art collection, a fine art photograph offers a unique perspective on the world.
My works are available for sale in a range of formats and finishes. Each print is produced in a professional photo lab, guaranteeing museum-quality results, precision of detail and premium inks on benchmark media. I work in particular with Z Lab, Colorfields and Artfactory for my prints on Hahnemühle fine art paper, and with other studios specialising in ChromaLuxe sublimation.
My work as a fine art photographer
As a fine art photographer, I regard each image as a standalone work of art. I handle every stage: photography, image processing and preparation of high-definition fine art prints. My practice is at once creative, technical and poetic.
Being a fine art photographer also means making strong aesthetic choices: composition, lighting, format, type of paper, mounting… Every fine art print I offer is the culmination of a demanding process, designed to last and to move the viewer.
In conclusion
My participation in Art Capital at the Grand Palais in Paris, as well as at the Salon des Artistes Français, has strengthened my resolve to continue my work as a fine art photographer and to share my creations with an ever-wider audience. It has been a memorable experience, both on a personal and artistic level, and a springboard for the recognition of my work within the world of contemporary photography.
To discover my fine art photographs available for sale, I invite you to visit my online gallery. Each print is an invitation to dream, to contemplate and to journey through the imaginary lands of my photographic vision.
Discover the works available in fine art finishes
The Imaginary Planets are available in several professional finishes: Fine Art prints, ChromaLuxe, Diachrome or other media depending on the artwork. Each print is produced as a limited edition, signed, numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
To continue your exploration
Would you like to find out more about a work or how it is presented? Please write to me to discuss it. You can also explore other topics on the fine art photography blog.
See also: Exhibiting in Knokke, a privilege for a fine art photographer – Paul Marnef, creator of Imaginary Planets; The Spirit of Art in Paris: my Imaginary Planets with TargetArt in 2025.