The Empty Quarter presents The Dark Lens/ The Dubai Invasion solo photographic exhibition by Cedric Delsaux

Opening and reception on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 from 7pm – 10pm

The Empty Quarter Fine Art Photography Gallery proudly presents an exhibition "The Dark Lens / The Dubai Invasion", a solo display featuring the works of photographer Cedric Delsaux.

Delsaux's digital photographs combine myth and reality. He uses Attakus Star Wars statues and works with George Lucas special effect model makers to create in real-world locations - a mash-up series of images that capture the imagination with an overtly humorous approach. By combining Star Wars real size model makers with sumptuous shots of urban architecture, Delsaux has created a series of photos where he puts Star Wars characters and vehicles and transplants them into modern day urban locations.

In 2008 Delsaux came to Dubai to finalise his series, using the city of Dubai as the backdrop for his work. The result is a breathtaking series of images, bringing the Empire a little closer to home. His training in commercial photography is evident with his play on branding in the Star Wars on Earth series.

Abdulla bin Hamad Bin Sougat, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Lifestyle Group, welcomed the exhibition. "The Emirate of Dubai, and in particular the Dubai International Financial Centre, has achieved a prominent position on the global calendar of arts and culture, which is attested to by the fact that Cedric Delsaux chose the city both for the setting and display of his latest work. Dubai and DIFC’s effort has been to support the arts community and we are sure that this exhibition will add a new dimension to the lifestyle offering of the city and the DIFC."

Cedric Delsaux lives and works in Paris, France.  After studying cinematography and journalism, he worked as a bookseller and then conceptual-editor in an advertising agency.  He has been a full-time photographer since 2003.

Delsaux won the Kodak prize for landscapes and architecture with his Star Wars on Earth series in 2005 and has seen his career as an artist grow ever since.  He has been selected to work on several large automobile advertising campaigns, including Volkswagen, Touareg, Peugeot, Renault Espace, Citroen, Skoda, Adrexo, EDF, Viking and SFR.   Delsaux was also selected in the Leurzer's Archive as one of the "200 Best Ad Photographers Worldwide" in 2006.