International artist Sophie Calle makes words and images work together in a stunning book, “Parce que…”.

In her new book, she seeks to express the reason why she pressed the shutter release, and to reflect on the influence words can have on our reception of photography.

Her photos, which are presented like paper prints, are concealed in the folds of a Japanese-style binding: each page is a surprise pocket. You have to read the text first, before taking the picture out of its hiding place. The text systematically begins with “because”, giving the work a playful and often surprising resonance.

For the reissue of her book by Editions Xavier Barral, the artist will be present at Artazart on Friday May 17 (6-8pm) to talk with visitors and sign this artistic and poetic work.

“Because I read this story

of a passer-by who is enraptured by a child

and the mother exclaims:

“And you haven’t seen his picture!””