Renowned French photographer Gérard Rancinan brings CHAOS to Art Basel

Until the end of the month, Opera Gallery Hong Kong presents "CHAOS", a project installation by renowned French photographer Gérard Rancinan.

The exhibition installation features 20 seductive and proactive photographs by Rancinan who developed the practice of staged photography in reference to history, popular culture and Western art. He juxtaposes archetypes with pop-imagery, and subject matter that includes global social and political issues, often presenting them in a critical or satirical manner.

The exhibition on show is compiled from Rancinan's latest series, entitled "CHAOS". The works dramatise humanity's battle between social order and chaos, with the inevitable fall into civil and moral degeneration.

The visual display moves between populated scenes of barbaric disorder to desolated scenes of its aftermath. The subject matter is influenced by such issues as globalisation, religion, politics and the increasing domination of the internet as Rancinan gives a critical take through his lens.

Highlights include Press Power, describing the modern press as a lethal weapon which can destroy a person's life through the printed word.

The Feast of the Barbarians is considered one of the artist's greatest photographic imageries, depicting chaotic scenes of subversion and anarchy, triggering fears of loss of control. It features social misfits and taboos with ironic reference to Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper.

Riots is a contemporary portrait of the American Revolution ridden with violence and gang wars where New York is overrun by corruption.

Set in an open black room decorated with gas masks, trash and residual burn objects, viewers walk through an audio-visual experience of a riot.

The exhibition is presented via the Sony BRAVIA Full HD LED TVs on which Rancinan's photos will be played, elevating the viewing experience with true-to-life picture quality.

Born in the Bordeaux region of France in 1953, Rancinan has travelled the world witnessing natural catastrophes, civil and ethnic wars and urban riots. These experiences have shaped his work.

Opera Gallery Hong Kong is located at G/F-3/F W Place, 52 Wyndham Street, Central.