About

Vincent Alvarez began his artistic career in music as the guitarist of the Parisian metal band Magoa, with whom he performed for nearly a decade.

His deep passion for music and the performing arts became a guiding thread that later inspired his approach to photography.

He started his photography career in 2019.

At the same time, he developed a love for analog photography, drawing inspiration from the works of masters such as Irving Penn and Helmut Newton.

Tired of the oversaturation of fleeting images that defines our era, he gradually adopted an artistic approach centered on slowness and thoughtful reflection to truly capture the essence of each moment.

This process allows him to fully reconnect with the present, one shutter click at a time.

Exhibition

"Transformists, last night at Chez Michou

Vincent Alvarez joined Chez Michou in 2016 as a sound and lighting technician, working closely with the artists to design their musical arrangements and orchestrate the cabaret’s lighting.

This close collaboration fostered deep bonds of trust with the Michettes, enabling the creation of the works presented in this exhibition.

On June 30, 2024, the legendary cabaret of the “man in blue” bid its final farewell with one last performance before permanently closing its doors.

That evening, the photographer positioned himself backstage, close to the artists, to capture the final moments of 80 Rue des Martyrs with his medium-format analog camera.

Through this exhibition, the photographer pays a heartfelt tribute to Chez Michou and its artists, whose talent defined its renown.

His photographs capture the emotion and poetry of that final evening, offering a timeless testament to the soul of this unique cabaret.

The exhibition “Transformistes, the Last Night of Chez Michou” features 11 captivating photographs taken during the final performance of the revue “Destination Michettes.”

This iconic Montmartre venue, a true institution of transformism, illuminated the Parisian stage for nearly 68 years.

When:

from January 22 to April 1

Where:

Le Caveau des Oubliettes

52 rue Galande 75005, Paris

Opening days:

Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm to 2am

Through these photographs, the photographer takes you behind the scenes, into the intimacy of the dressing rooms where the artists prepared for this final, emotionally charged performance.

Each image captures the beauty, transformation, and humanity of the Michettes during this historic moment.

The portraits of artists Aharoan, Tristan Choquet, Eva Carlton, and Fabien stand as a vibrant tribute to a place rich in history and magic.

Photo gallery

Prologue d'une fin

Portrait of the artist Eva Carlton just before stepping on stage for the opening act of the show (the prologue).

Black and white analog photography printed with an enlarger on baryta paper.

Aluminum mounting

Nielsen Apollon black frame

Available sizes

30x40 for 320€

40x50 for 440€

L'homme au pinceau

Portrait of the artist Aharoan applying makeup in the dressing room to perform as Johnny Hallyday.

Black and white analog photography printed with an enlarger on baryta paper.

Aluminum mounting

Nielsen Apollon black frame

Available sizes

30x40 for 320€

40x50 for 440€

L'attente

Portrait of Tristan Choquet as Chris & the Queens.

Black and white analog photography printed with an enlarger on baryta paper.

Aluminum mounting

Nielsen Apollon black frame

Available sizes

30x40 for 320€

40x50 for 440€

Reine de la nuit

Portrait of Victoria Pons as the Queen of the Night, an opera singer performing The Magic Flute.

Black and white analog photography printed with an enlarger on baryta paper.

Aluminum mounting

Nielsen Apollon black frame

Available sizes

30x40 for 320€

40x50 for 440€

Entre deux mondes

The artist Tristan Choquet in the dressing room, preparing to perform as Clara Luciani.

Black and white analog photography printed with an enlarger on baryta paper.

Aluminum mounting

Nielsen Apollon black frame

Available sizes

30x40 for 320€

40x50 for 440€

Cache cache

Portrait of Fabien as Patricia Kaas.

Black and white analog photography printed with an enlarger on baryta paper.

Aluminum mounting

Nielsen Apollon black frame

Available sizes

30x40 for 320€

40x50 for 440€

Complicité

A moment of camaraderie between Fabien and Aharoan as they clear out their dressing room after the show.

Black and white analog photography printed with an enlarger on baryta paper.

Aluminum mounting

Nielsen Apollon black frame

Available sizes

30x40 for 320€

40x50 for 440€

Eva

Portrait of the artist Eva Carlton before the show

Black and white analog photography printed with an enlarger on baryta paper.

Aluminum mounting

Nielsen Apollon black frame

Available sizes

30x40 for 320€

40x50 for 440€

Transformation

Artists Victoria Pons and Patrice getting ready in the dressing room.

Black and white analog photography printed with an enlarger on baryta paper.

Aluminum mounting

Nielsen Apollon black frame

Available sizes

30x40 for 320€

40x50 for 440€

Une dernière coupe

Eva Carlton as Dalida, a great friend of Michou. Holding a glass of champagne

Black and white analog photography printed with an enlarger on baryta paper.

Aluminum mounting

Nielsen Apollon black frame

Available sizes

30x40 for 320€

40x50 for 440€

Regard "Ardant"

Tristan Choquet as Fanny Ardant.

Black and white analog photography printed with an enlarger on baryta paper.

Aluminum mounting

Nielsen Apollon black frame

Available sizes

30x40 for 320€

40x50 for 440€

Contact