Monette and Mady

 

As a keen documentary/fashion photography I was instantly struck by this project by Maja Daniels. The set of images show the relationship of parisian identical twins Monette and Mady whom have lived their whole life closely together and are, as they say, inseparable. Neither Monette or Mady have married or had children and they always eat the same food identical portions. They do not just share a close relationship as sisters; as they act, model and dance together and the city of Paris is their main stage. If they ever go out dressed in different outfits, people stop and ask them why and the answer is, they argue. Since a great part of Monette and Mady’s lives is about performing, in front of cameras or on a stage as well as on the street, this project consists of a mix of staged and documentary images.

Mady and Monette are indifferent to the many stereotypes that are related to ageing. They have in fact long stopped celebrating their birthdays and they defy any preconceived notions to growing old. This series is an intimate journal of their togetherness and as an alternative take on the complex issues that accompanies the notion of “ageing” today. Maja Daniels has in fact in my eyes represented such a close relationship between the two eccentric characters in a subtle way which conveys how important they are to each other. This project really inspires and intrigues me, I could look at the images for hours and not get bored!

Dom x