Nicolas Auvray Gallery is proud to present a unique opportunity to witness the creative process of Paris-based artist Fabien Dettori, live at Art on Paper. For this special presentation, Dettori brings his signature method—merging Polaroid photography with painting—from his Paris studio to New York City.

Dettori’s work begins with a photoshoot, where he encourages his models to fully immerse themselves in the moment, exploring deep personal emotions. As he explains, “For most of them it is an overwhelming experience. I am looking for the true poetry of emotions, sometimes you have to go into the dark sides to find it.”

Following the shoot, Dettori selects the strongest image while the rest are destroyed. He then transitions from photography to painting, preparing the Polaroid for its final transformation. The live performance will showcase this stage: altering the image through chemical intervention, applying gold leaf and paint, and manipulating the emulsion to create a unique, tangible memory. Dettori describes this delicate process: “There is this dangerous, fragile step where the emulsion lifts off the Polaroid… I make it precious.”

Drawing on classical painting traditions, Dettori transforms the photograph into an interpretation of reality, capturing the invisible dimensions of life. Nudity serves as a means to approach authenticity, encompassing a wide spectrum of emotions: “I document life. And I think it’s an important point because it makes it universal.”

Audiences will have a front-row view of Dettori at work, seated at his studio-style desk and chair, as he manipulates materials and constructs his art. Each live session will last approximately 30–45 minutes, providing an intimate window into the creation of his extraordinary works.

Performance Times:
Thursday, September 5 – 7:00 PM
Friday, September 6 – 5:00 PM
Saturday, September 7 – 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM
Sunday, September 8 – 1:00 PM & 3:30 PM