The playful perspective of Wallpaper* New Generation prize winner Allyssa Heuze
![Hermès shirt and skirt](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WrzVkMmYiVwUKj6zrQdLkW-415-80.jpg)
Turn to page 139 of Wallpaper’s January issue (W*238), and you will find Home Truths: an editorial shot by Wallpaper* New Generation prize winner, Allyssa Heuze, the photograper awarded the inaugural iteration of this award at the latest Hyères International Festival of Fashion and Photography. The editorial emanates a sense of comfort, intimacy and fun; the models captured with tropes that Heuze tends towards, such as familial gatherings, playful moments, pets and food. It’s like you’re sitting in a friend’s kitchen.
‘I wanted to shoot something that relates to how it can feel when living with strangers, or friends even, under the same roof. How it can be fun yet annoying – there can be these little unsaid things between people you live with,' the photographer explains of the premise for the shoot.
‘OÏ’ by Wallpaper* New Generation x Hyères Photography Prize winner Allyssa Heuze.
‘Simple yet honest everyday scenes and mundane objects inspire and excite me,' Heuze says. ‘When I have a specific idea, I try to make it come to life by inviting that space of coincidence. Whether I’m creating staged scenes with people or still life installations, I like that balance of control and accident.'
Heuze, 24, has been taking pictures since she was 13, growing up in the Philippines, where her family still lives. The atmosphere of her photography today likely derives from her early experiences behind the camera, snapping her family on holidays, ‘I loved taking candid smiling, happy moments of my siblings.'
The photographer, who moved to France after High School and is now based in Paris, explains that she prefers the viewing experience to be personal and intimate, too: she hopes to turn a project into a book ‘something someone would want to take home with them,' and is currently working on the concept for a visual ode to her home country.
‘Photography is what frustrates me the most but it is definitely what I love doing the most,' Heuze reflects. She admits she can be stressed at shoots, ‘but I to hide it, and remember to have fun!'
‘I guess what motivates me is creating my own little playground,' Heuze notes. Her previous projects, such as Tic Tac Toe, have focused directly on childhood memories and naivety, and the sense of freedom and boundlessness that comes with it. That energy is instilled into her editorial and commercial work, too.
There’s a genuine carefree feeling in Heuze’s work; perhaps the natural optimism of yet youthful eyes, but also comes from her personality and upbringing. Tic Tac Toe, I laugh very easily, and do always try to be an optimistic person. I guess smiles and laughs remind me most of my childhood and being around my siblings, and I unconsciously want to create these moments in my photos.'
Left, Zohra wears top, £605; Erica wears shirt, £695, both by Prada. ‘Nuovo Milano 24’ cutlery, £290 for set of 24, by Ettore Sottsass, for Alessi. ‘Reflets D’Argent’ dinner plate in Anthracite, £23; pasta bowl, £22, both by Jars, from Amara. ‘Gio’ juice glass, £3.50, by The Conran Shop. Right, ‘La Cintura Di Orione’ stockpot, £200, by Richard Sapper, for Alessi
Sleeveless pullover, £690; vest (underneath), £650, both by Holland & Holland. ‘Socks Rolled Down’ tumbler, £15, by Anu Pentinnen, for Marimekko, from Skandium
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Charlotte Jansen is a journalist and the author of two books on photography, Girl on Girl (2017) and Photography Now (2021). She is commissioning editor at Elephant magazine and has written on contemporary art and culture for The Guardian, the Financial Times, ELLE, the British Journal of Photography, Frieze and Artsy. Jansen is also presenter of Dior Talks podcast series, The Female Gaze.
-
Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024: meet the practices
In the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2024, our latest guide to exciting, emerging practices from around the world, 20 young studios show off their projects and passion
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
St. Vincent on designing her Klaus Nomi-inspired guitar line
St. Vincent is a Wallpaper* guest editor for 2024. Here, she unpacks her long-standing relationship with the guitar. It started with wearing one in front of a mirror. Who knows how it ends. But somewhere in the middle, there is fun and freedom and a well-tailored instrument
By St. Vincent Published
-
Artist Jonathan Baldock plays hide and seek with the windows of Hermès' London flagship
A series of fantastical, brightly coloured hedges, dotted with peepholes, transform Hermès' New Bond Street store, offering an interactive experience for the passerby
By Anne Soward Published
-
Edinburgh Art Festival 2023: from bog dancing to binge drinking
What to see at Edinburgh Art Festival 2023, championing women and queer artists, whether exploring Scottish bogland on film or casting hedonism in ceramic
By Amah-Rose Abrams Published
-
Last chance to see: Devon Turnbull’s ‘HiFi Listening Room Dream No. 1’ at Lisson Gallery, London
Devon Turnbull/OJAS’ handmade sound system matches minimalist aesthetics with a profound audiophonic experience – he tells us more
By Jorinde Croese Published
-
Hospital Rooms and Hauser & Wirth unite for a sensorial London exhibition and auction
Hospital Rooms and Hauser & Wirth are working together to raise money for arts and mental health charities
By Hannah Silver Published
-
‘These Americans’: Will Vogt documents the USA’s rich at play
Will Vogt’s photo book ‘These Americans’ is a deep dive into a world of privilege and excess, spanning 1969 to 1996
By Sophie Gladstone Published
-
Brian Eno extends his ambient realms with these environment-altering sculptures
Brian Eno exhibits his new light box sculptures in London, alongside a unique speaker and iconic works by the late American light artist Dan Flavin
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Asim Waqif creates dense bamboo display at the Hayward in London
The Bagri Foundation Commission, Asim Waqif’s वेणु [Venu], opens at the Hayward Gallery in London
By Cleo Roberts-Komireddi Published
-
Forrest Myers is off the wall at Catskill Art Space this summer
Forrest ‘Frosty’ Myers makes his mark at Catskill Art Space, NY, celebrating 50 years of his monumental Manhattan installation, The Wall
By Pei-Ru Keh Published
-
Jim McDowell, aka ‘the Black Potter’, on the fire behind his face jugs
A former coal miner, Jim McDowell defied the odds to set up his workshop and keep a historic form of American pottery alive
By Aruna D’Souza Published