Par un matin calme

Par un matin calme by Park Chan-wook is an extraordinary photographic collection by the acclaimed South Korean film director, published on the occasion of his first major European exhibition at Lee Ufan Arles. Internationally renowned for his complex cinematic thrillers defined by meticulous tension and a sharp vision of the human soul—including box office successes like The Handmaiden (2016) – $107M worldwide, Decision to Leave (2022) – $123.9M worldwide, and No Other Choice (2025) – $164.2M worldwide, as well as Cannes award-winners Decision to Leave (Best Director), Oldboy (Grand Prix, the second-highest honor after the Palme d’Or), and Thirst (Jury Prize)—here Park Chan-wook reveals his most contemplative and intimate side. For the artist, photography acts as a true antidote to film narrative—an absolute space of freedom where he can relinquish control and capture the pure randomness of the moment. The images portray fragments of daily life, natural elements, and seemingly mundane details capable of evoking a sense of deep harmony and inner peace tied to memory and his Korean identity. Through quiet frames devoid of human presence, the volume offers an up-close look at the visual process of one of the greatest masters of contemporary world cinema.

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