Cécile Smetana

Bio

Cécile Smetana, the eldest of five siblings, was born to French and Danish parents in the picturesque northern region of Denmark. Her passion for photography ignited at the tender age of eight, as she immersed herself in the striking black-and-white documentary images that graced newspapers and magazines. This early fascination, coupled with a deep connection to her twin brother, inspired Smetana to chronicle their lives together, a practice that has evolved into a profound exploration of identity and youth that continues to this day. Smetana pursued her education in art photography and photojournalism, honing her craft and developing a distinctive style that centers on intimate portraiture and the nuanced transitions of growing up. Her artistic journey led her to Mexico, where she passionately documented the African diaspora, a theme that has become a cornerstone of her work. Her compelling imagery has garnered recognition from prestigious publications such as National Geographic, i-D, Document Journal, The New Yorker, Vogue Italia, and L'Uomo Vogue, among others. Smetana's work is not only celebrated in print but is also included in both public and private collections, and has been featured in notable exhibitions such as The Black New Vanguard, Red Hook Labs New Artists, and UNSEEN. Currently based in Paris, Cécile Smetana continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, capturing the essence of her subjects with sensitivity and depth.