Reine Paradis

After living here for a while,, one becomes numb to this city’s beauties – memories of sunshine flickering through the palm leaves give way to the reality of smog blocking the view of downtown. Letting your hair loose on the coastal highway becomes gripping the steering wheel in a never-ending traffic jam, and so on. Welcome to Los Angeles.

Through fresh eyes, Los Angeles has unexpectedly become the muse for artist Reine Paradis. She allows the city to show itself to her, and what it gives is intimate, and vast. While everyday commuters fly by, Paradis pulls her hair back and feasts on the radiant geometries – an excavator of the crannies that frame public mundanity. 

About her first photo series, Jungle, Paradis reflects, “Before I moved to LA, I had projects I was doing, but nothing linked to that series. Jungle is specific to LA. The city is one of the big inspirations for my work. I’m attracted to very intense light on buildings. Natural light in LA has a special intensity compared to Europe. I like very geometrical shapes. Simple shapes.” 

As it appears on her website, “Paradis creates unique narratives through her photographs, bringing unusual landscapes to life, and staging herself as the main character.” For example, in Paradis’ image Empty Pool, she stands abruptly, partially shaded by a firmly planted orange umbrella, in the middle of an empty pool. One is struck immediately by the brightness of the colors, and the originality of the vision. As if by design, one is carried into the space, and forced to consider one’s relationship with it – an awareness of its undoubted emptiness, but simultaneously, its absolute fullness. If nothing else, these images open up the playful possibility that these spaces could serve, as long as there’s someone to enjoy it with.

Born in rural France in 1989, Paradis is no stranger to creating her own universe, a trait that has managed to stick with her ever since. She recalls her move to Los Angeles in 2012: “The first place I lived was in Venice. I was working for an agency as a rep. It was a good experience, but I had to make a decision. I didn’t have money so I could take a year off and start working on my own projects. So I started creating images during my free time, and one day someone saw a few of my images. They offered to sponsor me to finish. I’ve been lucky to have somebody who believed in my work, and in me.” 

Every detail in her photos is carefully thought out and staged, and every element is built by her. “I have always been excited by this aspect of the work too, designing the props, finding the location. I love all the parts.” 

One cannot fully experience the work without comprehending the amount of effort and dedication it takes to get that one perfect shot; this is where Paradis’ husband,  filmmaker Carl Lindstrom has played a critical role.  

While standing behind a camera (he was filming the upcoming documentary Queen of Paradis, about the making of Paradis’ new photo series, Midnight), Lindstrom spoke about his front row seat and involvement  in the creative process. “The thing that was miraculous about her was her resolve; she stuck with this idea that only she could see. And over time, she convinced me to trust her. I trusted her in other ways already, but with this I really saw in her what she knew what she wanted – I’m giving her all my knowledge about lighting or cameras or whatever she needs so she can fully achieve what she’s looking for. But it’s completely her work and her vision.” 

“My message would be about trust; to trust in your project even if you’re young and it’s something that’s different. always be persistent and focus on you.” 

Paradis spoke further about why it’s important that she “live” the scene. “At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to be in my images. But I really feel that I’m the only one who can see the scene, so even if I explain this to someone else, it would lose its intensity or its specific touch – that is me.” 

When Jungle was shown in Los Angeles in 2016, Paradis was uncertain how the public would respond to her first venture into the world of art. Her answer came swiftly and certainly; every image at the show was bought, along with a series of painted maquettes that weren’t for sale. Coupled with a subsequent social media wildfire, the name Reine Paradis had now become (in the words of a distinguished gallerist at 2017 Miami Art Basel), “a name to be reckoned with.”

Success continued with exhibitions in Denver, Paris, Orlando, Art Basel Miami, and Apaid Photo Show in New York. Paradis’ anticipated second series Midnight is set to open June 23rd in Los Angeles, with additional solo shows set for Paris, Denver, and Miami later in 2018.

With Midnight, Paradis intends to expand the scope of her work by adding sculptures, costumes, and an immersive experience dubbed “Golden Pineapple.”  Each photo will have an accompanying maquette: basically a blueprint which Paradis uses for the creation of her photos. And this seems to be just the beginning. She shared some big ideas which she will be setting in motion in the coming years, including a line of clothing and an animated film based on a story she has written. It seems her universe will continue to expand. 

Amid her success and busy schedule, Paradis has never lost sight of the example she sets for young women and emerging artists. She encourages them not to be afraid, to trust in their vision and follow their art. “My message would be more about trust, to trust in your project even if you’re young and it’s something that’s different. Always be persistent and focus on you.”