Just six months ago, the collective "Reflex engaged" was born. Barely six months already, the fresh and young association has clearly stated ambitions: to fight hunger and food waste. Its founder Maud Argaïbi from the Pixel et Béchamel studio has surrounded herself with 12 Parisian food photographers to launch together the first edition of the collective and charitable sale of "Reflexes involved". Until March 12, 30 photos related to food around the theme of eco-responsibility are exhibited at the Yves Robert Youth Hostel (18th) with free access to all.
Each photographer has transcribed into image his vision on the environmental challenges facing the world. Among the ten of them, Chloé Duloquin stages a broccoli that burns slowly. His photo titled Resources “ symbolizes the state of emergency in which our planet is located. We are not far from reaching a threshold of "no return": depletion of resources, global warming. To denounce the problems of distribution and the lack of water on Earth, Maud Argaïbi imagines a mushroom that grows on an arid land.
10 billion kilos of food thrown away
These 30 photos are put up for auction on the collective website "Reflex engaged". All proceeds will be donated to the Les Frigos Solidaires association, which fights against food waste by installing self-service fridges throughout the capital - including 70 already installed throughout the country. Acting locally is above all the will of President Maud Argaïbi: “ My first thoughts were with Action Against Hunger , but it is national, very large and we didn't have that local side. The goal is that the little that we harvest has a strong impact. »Chef Julien Duboué (ex-candidate of Top Chef) committed to food waste and actor and environmental activist Baptiste Lorber are both committed alongside photographers as sponsors of this first edition. Above all, they will raise the stakes to finance a maximum of Frigos Solidaires in France.
Read also: “Solidarity Fridges” downstairs to fight against waste
Art at the service of social action
Maud Argaïbi puts art at the service of social action. “We are nevertheless very concerned with ecological issues. Our job can go against our values, that is to say to buy local, seasonal and not to spoil the food. We take food photos that use food for marketing purposes . ” explains that which is at the origin of the creation of the association.
If 65% of the food photographed is consumed, the remaining 15% is thrown directly in the trash. An attitude that resolutely wishes to change for those who have been a food photographer for 10 years. “ On Thursday and Friday we give 4-5 baskets via the To Good To Go application. We manage to spoil less but our path is not yet done. Our goal is to drop to less than 10% of food waste by the end of 2020, she continues.
A committed project which has a double scope. “ Charity and art are two actions that go well together. Because exposure and auctions are also a way to promote and highlight the profession of food photographer. The opportunity to discover this profession little known to the public and little represented in galleries and museums. Who says art and charity don't mix?
Reflexes engaged. At the Yves Robert Youth Hostel. 20 esplanade Nathalie Sarraute (18th). Until March 12, daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Online auction on the Reflex website .