A night owl photographer and a graphic designer disc jockey have just produced a work on the historic site in the center of Montpellier.
“If the night is a sanctuary, the Rockstore is its faithful tavern. Whether their eyes are drawn to an ethereal post-punk live, or their bodies are swayed to frantic techno, generations have passed through this legendary club of Montpellier, which has always. made guarantors of this nocturnal commotion, witness of this eternal celebration”observes DJ Garfld.
Moments of hedonism
Laurent Vilarem, a lifelong photographer, cut his teeth wandering all kinds of festive places and concert halls, inevitably ending up at the Rockstore. Inexhaustible contemporary, capturing these moments of hedonism, he became their bearer through his intense and raw pictures.
“Through his posed or stolen photographs, this collection retraces these nights of exultation, abandonment and auditory lust”, writes Garfield. Photographer and graphic designer DJ recently launched his first self-titled book Nightedited by Gami, a new Montpellier publishing house that aims to offer high quality publications combining creativity and editorial expertise.
30 years of photographs
“My first exhibition was held at the Rockstore when I was 20 years old. Fifi, the director of the Rockstore, gave me a chance and encouraged me to persevere. That’s when my affection for the Rockstore developed . my friends. At the same time, for two years, I have been showing my photos of the Rockstore in its smoker above. All this made us want to produce a book that brings together more than thirty years of my photos” .says Laurent.
Made in France by Tomoe, the graphic design was carried out by the Gami team, while the text was written by Garfd, part of a remarkable collaboration. To be supported (it is until April 19) they launched a crowdfunding campaign.
Launch party on April 24th
The launch party will take place on April 24th at Rockstore, in the presence of press, contributors, booksellers and outlets. In addition, an exhibition at the Photo Bar (rue Lakanal in Montpellier) is scheduled from May 15 to June 12, as part of the Boutographies festival. This stunning book explores the world of the night through the lens of a talented photographer.