Strong words, vivid images, to make victims heard and change mentalities. This is the imprint of the artist duo called “BABB”. They opened the doors of their workshop to us in Douai: an inspiring visit.
Being together was obvious. Shortly after their meeting, Émilie and Éric wanted to carry out artistic projects together. In 2016 their collaboration began: Eric had taken very beautiful black and white photos of New York. I selected literary texts, and he retained certain passages to accompany his photos. It started like this
says the committed visual artist.
Very quickly, they came to defend the cause of victims of domestic violence. Because having experienced them, Émilie knows what she is talking about: I had a painful life experience before meeting Eric. Rebuilding yourself after that is long and complicated, it’s a very personal journey, you have to learn to forgive yourself
she confides delicately. Eric helped me a lot, he made me understand things, and he was simply there for me.
In 2020 they began working together around collage and photography: Even when I was very young, I couldn’t stand injustice, I found it stupid, it frustrated me
says Eric. So when his partner felt the need to transcend her painful experience through art, he wanted to work with her on this project. Émilie specifies: We wanted to help the victims, to do something so that this experience was not in vain. I needed to pass it on to others.
Shocking works
We will not know the meaning of their name BABB, it remains secret! We will just know that BA is for Eric, and BB is for Émilie. But that is not the essential message. The couple has been studying the theme of gender equality for a long time, both Éric, a middle school visual arts teacher, and Émilie, a primary school teacher and writer.
Both are fans of the work of Marguerite Stern, the French feminist artist behind the splicers. The collage speaks to us, it resonates with the messages we want to convey.
BABB experiments with different installations, until it finds the right visual for the right message: Émilie poses, hiding her face with her hands, in front of a text stuck to the wall. The points invite you to slow down reading, to concentrate on the words
explains Eric. Sometimes their little boy also poses, always covering his face. Children are never far from the mother in situations of domestic violence: they also suffer, they are at least indirect victims
explains the dad.
Four-handed paintings and drawings also serve their texts. In a Street art spirit, overflowing with energy and colors, they are also displayed on the walls.
In Lille, Douai, Paris, Barcelona and even Le Touquet, their collages are a hit. We put into words everything that society does not want to see, everything that it brushes under the rug
specifies Émilie. Today that is starting to change, but for a long time, the words of women and children were worthless. Far too many women have had custody of their children taken away because they reported violence in their home
she continues. The duo receives many messages of support, their works speak to many victims.
Committed projects
Their latest baby is a little different: In recent months, we have worked a lot on creating a game. A sort of maze course that includes seven different situations. The aim of the game: to help the victim escape and win their case
explains Émilie. Maître Reisenthel, lawyer in Douai, accompanied them during the creation process. It’s a debate tool, we’ve tested it many times. The feedback is very good, it’s encouraging
smiles Émilie.
Currently, 40 photos and 5 drawings are exhibited at the Maison de l’Avocat, in Amiens. The game is also part of the trip, so professionals can familiarize themselves with it.
For November 25, International Day Against Violence Against Women, the artists will also exhibit some works in the windows of Douai businesses. And their projects don’t stop there: We want to reach out to high school students. Next year, we will go for example to Somain
announces Émilie. We would also like to work more with Town Halls, so that they allow us to take our messages to the streets, as close as possible to the people.
continues his partner.
There will also be projects around March 8, International Women’s Day. Because you will have understood, this duo never stops. They have made their art a weapon against domestic violence, to change mentalities, and to ensure that throughout the year, this scourge does not go unnoticed.
