Gallery
The photographs
Selection from the photographs of the exhibition. Large-format art prints produced by Dupon on Durst Lambda. Signed prints, limited edition. Order a print or a copy of the film →
Nicolas Claris · Romain Claris · 2013
Bangladesh · 2013
With Watever
Photo © Nicolas Claris — Film © Romain Claris — All rights reserved
When we proposed our collaboration to Marc Van Peteghem, we had no particular knowledge of Bangladesh, but we wanted to approach the subject without sensationalism — to show the beauty and pride of the Bengali people and their country. To draw closer, to bring our empathetic gaze, from human beings to human beings. We were not disappointed!
Our ambition was not to describe Watever's work — they do that very well themselves. Nor to explain the need to intervene in Bangladesh — that seems obvious to us. We simply felt the need to show the environment in which Watever operates, the stated goal being to inspire the desire to contribute financially to their cause by acquiring prints and/or the film.
Watever's work is humble, serious, and responsible, requiring significant human and financial investment. Through the sale of prints and the film, we can help Watever continue their selfless and effective work.
The making of these images was made possible thanks to the support of Watever's members, and in particular Marc Van Peteghem, Yves Marre, Jeremy Bertaud, Claire Tarbès and Sophie Daugé.
Romain and Nicolas Claris
Chittagong, Bangladesh, February 2013
Our work is an entirely charitable initiative — all proceeds are donated to the NGO Watever.
PS 2025 — Following serious political events in Bangladesh, Watever was forced to cease its activities there.
Bangladesh, a land of water par excellence, is crossed by mythical rivers that make it one of the most important deltas on the planet. Ancient fleets, virtually unknown to the rest of the world, lived and worked here for centuries — they have almost vanished, as engines replaced sails and steel supplanted wood.
WATEVER, a blend of Water and Ever, was born from my encounter with Yves Marre, who arrived by sea in Bangladesh with a barge he transformed into a floating hospital. Together we founded Watever with the will to help communities who live with water find new technical solutions, respecting economic, ecological and cultural development.
A shipyard — Tara Tari — was built. There we conduct research on biomaterials: jute fibre as a substitute for fibreglass, and bamboo to develop new boat-building planks, preserving traditional know-how while introducing new techniques. For the richness of maritime culture and the talent of this country's carpenters deserve to be preserved. Our team, made up of three generations from all walks of life, works alongside local communities, seeking to accompany an evolution rather than impose a change.
Nicolas and Romain Claris generously joined us last February, and it is their magnificent images — a gaze upon this beautiful country, an expression of their sensitivity and talent — that we are proud to present to you today.
Marc Van Peteghem, April 2013
Selection from the photographs of the exhibition. Large-format art prints produced by Dupon on Durst Lambda. Signed prints, limited edition. Order a print or a copy of the film →
Prints produced by Dupon laboratory on Durst Lambda. All photographs were taken with lenses and two Pentax 645D cameras.
Prints produced on Durst Lambda.
All photographs taken with two Pentax 645D cameras and lenses.