Imagine a world where iconic Parisian landmarks are recreated thousands of miles away, in China! This isn’t a fantasy, but the reality of Tianducheng, a peculiar suburb in Hangzhou. This town, modeled after the City of Lights, has become a fascinating subject for Parisian photographer Francois Prost.
A Photographer’s Curiosity
Prost’s journey to Tianducheng began with a simple curiosity. He stumbled upon a music video that featured the town, and as a Parisian himself, he was intrigued by the idea of his hometown being replicated across the world. Intrigued by this “duplitecture,” he decided to explore it further.
The photographer was also inspired by an article about American towns named “Paris” – wondering if people in these towns felt a connection to their namesake. This, coupled with the concept of “Paris Syndrome” – where the reality of Paris often falls short of expectations – fueled his interest in Tianducheng.
Capturing the Similarities and Differences
Prost embarked on a photographic expedition to Tianducheng, meticulously capturing its replica landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to the Haussmann buildings and even the Gardens of Versailles. He then contrasted these photographs with their real Parisian counterparts, creating a unique photo series called “Paris Syndrome.”
The photographer was struck by the meticulousness of the replica. “They respected the number of floors, the fact that the ground floor is supposed to be shops and the second floor belongs to the shop. It’s the same in Paris,” he observed. However, he also noted the absence of the “oldness” that characterizes the original Parisian streets and avenues.
Life in a Replica City
Prost found himself captivated by the fact that Tianducheng wasn’t just a tourist attraction, but a real, functioning town where people live and work. He interacted with residents, trying to understand their experience living in a replica city.
He discovered that while people appreciated the landmarks and ambiance, they viewed Tianducheng as just another town in China. There was no sense of a distinct Parisian culture adopted by the residents. Prost concluded, “What I quite liked in the end is, the place is made by the people living in the place,” highlighting the human element that ultimately shapes a place.
A Glimpse into the Future
Prost’s photos provide a snapshot of life in Tianducheng, but he acknowledges it’s just a fleeting glance. He wonders how the town will evolve over time and how the people who live there will shape its future. As the photographer aptly concludes, “Let’s see maybe in 50 years who is going to live there, maybe it’s going to be a completely different person and they will make the place probably completely different.”
Through his unique and thought-provoking photo series, Prost has captured the essence of Tianducheng – a place that reflects the fascination with Paris, while simultaneously offering a glimpse into the complexities of living in a replica city. His work invites us to ponder the relationships between the original and the copy, and to consider how we create and perceive identity in a globalized world.
