Festival Art Souterrain

Eric Tschaeppeler’s photographic work lies primarily within the portrait genre, where he explores themes such as autobiographical narrative, family dynamics, and social documentary. His series Unrequited Love examines the relationships within households and the varied connections among those who share the same living space. By orchestrating scenes with small groups in their domestic environments, Tschaeppeler creates intimate portraits where every detail—be it décor or clothing—reveals aspects of each person’s personality. These familiar scenes invite viewers to interpret the space as a reflection of identities and the emotional bonds that shape these shared areas. Using a large-format camera, he captures meticulous details that enhance each scene, such as book titles, personal objects, and scattered souvenirs, all serving as genuine narrative fragments.

Child Free is a photographic documentary series grounded in the #NoFutureNoChildren movement, an initiative by Montrealer Emma Lim advocating for environmental health to be a top priority for public authorities. In an era where neutrality and discretion often dominate public and professional spaces—due to concerns about provoking reactions—examining how domestic spaces can express meaningful choices, values, and lifestyles is particularly relevant. Viewed this way, the home becomes an intimate manifestation of our deepest beliefs and convictions.

Tschaeppeler lives and works in Tiohtià:ke / Mooniyang / Montreal, where he began his artistic career as a musician and songwriter in local punk bands. Over time, he shifted his focus to photography and earned a Master’s in Fine Arts from Concordia University (2022). He received a research grant from the Milieux Institute in 2018-2019 and has exhibited his work in numerous galleries, including Galerie Lilian Rodriguez, Yellowfish Art, and the MAI. His most recent exhibition, Birth Order, was presented at the Maison de la Culture Janine Sutto in January 2024. Additionally, his work has been published multiple times in the magazine Ciel Variable.