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Photographed by Jimmy Marble, from Two of a Kind edited by Sandrine Kerfante, published by Chronicle Books, 2016 -
Photographed by Vittorio Ciccarelli, from Two of a Kind edited by Sandrine Kerfante, published by Chronicle Books, 2016 -
Photographed by Thayer Allyson Gowdy, from Two of a Kind edited by Sandrine Kerfante, published by Chronicle Books, 2016 -
Photographed by Mélanie Rodriguez, from Two of a Kind edited by Sandrine Kerfante, published by Chronicle Books, 2016 -
Photographed by Kostis Fokas, from Two of a Kind edited by Sandrine Kerfante, published by Chronicle Books, 2016 -
Photographed by Josef Hoflehner, from Two of a Kind edited by Sandrine Kerfante, published by Chronicle Books, 2016 -
Photographed by Jessica Silversaga, from Two of a Kind edited by Sandrine Kerfante, published by Chronicle Books, 2016 -
Photographed by Jasmine Deporta, from Two of a Kind edited by Sandrine Kerfante, published by Chronicle Books, 2016 -
Photographed by Darren Ankenman, from Two of a Kind edited by Sandrine Kerfante, published by Chronicle Books, 2016 -
Photographed by Akos Major, from Two of a Kind edited by Sandrine Kerfante, published by Chronicle Books, 2016 -
We’re not the only ones taken with all things double and symmetrical this season. Parisian Sandrine Kerfante just released Two of a Kind (Chronicle Books), a hardcover take on her popular blog, Twin-Niwt, which features a curated collection of photographs that celebrates the beauty of two. “Being a daughter of a twin mother, from an early age I have found twins to be a source of amusement and perplexity,” she writes in the book’s introduction. “Who’s this twin, then, if she isn’t a mirror? A me double? Why is symmetry so comforting but also so annoying? Why is the idea of the double so fascinating and troubling at the same time?” Flip through the above slideshow of photographs from the book for a peek into this mesmerizing world of pairs — some mirror reflections, others repetitions — and get to know Kerfante in our interview below.
My backstory…
I live in Paris, was born in Paris, grew up in a north suburb. After studying Arts and Fashion at École Duperré, I worked as children’s fashion designer for seven years, then spent the past seven years as an artistic agent and community manager with different photographer and illustrator agencies. This is my first book as a curator.
I’m drawn to doubles, twins, symmetry because…
I have always been fascinated by twins, the idea of the duo, repetition, symmetry, reflection, mirror games and all the symbolism associated with it. I think it is an interesting topic and often present in photography, more or less consciously… Before creating this blog and this book, I had notebooks where I cut and pasted visuals on this theme. So it is natural that the idea of sharing this passion came to me.
Where I find most of the photos…
I spend a lot of time on photographers’ blogs or websites and exhibitions…
It was in an exhibition I saw a few years back, dedicated to the work of photographer Francesca Woodman. In particular, there was a self-portrait of the artist reflected in a mirror. For a long time, I kept a photo of this portrait that had moved me deeply on my bedroom wall. Then, slowly, I took to collecting and curating images on the themes of reflection, doubles, symmetry, and twins.
The two sides to my personality…
Working girl and adventurer.
The key to balancing work and life…
Organization, good sleep and keep smiling.
Left brain vs. right brain…
I am both — creative, emotional, artistic, imagination for right brain and leadership, rational, planner and realistic for left brain.
My zodiac sign…
Balance [Libra], of course. :)