Author Talk: Mathieu Bitton—Paris Blues

Join us for a book talk with three-time Grammy-winning artist and photographer Mathieu Bitton, featuring his first photo book, Paris Blues.

Born in Paris, Bitton has photographed some of the world’s most famous artists, including Quincy Jones, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, and Lady Gaga. He has worked with Lenny Kravitz on the re-edition of Kravitz’s Let Love Rule, photographing his tours and designing merchandise. His work producing comedian Dave Chappelle’s comedy albums earned him three consecutive Grammy awards for Best Comedy Album. 

Bitton will be joined in conversation by Dan Tamarkin, Owner of Tamarkin Camera. After the program, guests will have the opportunity to continue the conversation with the speakers, purchase a copy of Paris Blues and have it signed by the photographer, and enjoy a glass of complimentary French wine.

Doors at 6:00 pm. Program at 6:30. Reception to follow. Please enter via 54 W Chicago Ave. Non-alcoholic options will be available. Copies of Paris Blues will be available for purchase from our friends at The Book Stall.

About the Photographer

For two-time Grammy-winning artist and Leica Camera ambassador Mathieu Bitton, what you hear and what you see are one in the same. Colors and music notes have similar shades; lyrics and hand-drawn lines have similar emotional messages. Each genre of music in Bitton’s collection has its own visual world in his head – jazz takes on certain hues, while rock n’ roll is another vibrant texture completely. For Bitton, one simply does not exist without the other. And this special way of merging both mediums is what has lead Mathieu Bitton to be one of the music world’s most sought-after designers, creating album covers and packaging, as well as videos, photographs, logos and more for some of the most iconic artists and records of the last century, in addition to earning him two Grammy wins as a producer as well as a nomination for his artistic achievement. His vast and vast body of work has seen him photographing, designing album art and poster art for a who’s who of musical history, including Lenny Kravitz, Prince, Jack White, Quincy Jones, Travis Scott, Earth, Wind & Fire, Erykah Badu, Sting, John Mayer, Lady Gaga, The Rolling Stones, Kendrick Lamar, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Jane’s Addiction, George Clinton as well as art directing and designing legacy projects for Miles Davis (he designed the incredible packaging to the Bitches’ Brew 40th Anniversary Edition box set), Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, James Brown, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Dolly Parton and many more. If there’s an album cover that moves you, inspires you or impacts you, the odds are pretty high that Mathieu Bitton created it.

www.mathieubitton.fr/

About the Book

Mathieu Bitton’s 2025 photo book, Paris Blues, is a tribute to his hometown and a continuation of his acclaimed exhibitions, including Travelogue, Ascension and Darker Than Blue. Featuring a foreword by Naomi Campbell, Paris Blues shows his deep connection to the city that has had a lasting impact on his memories and artistic work.

About the Moderator

A life-long Leicaphile, Dan Tamarkin is the eldest son of Tamarkin Camera founder, Stan Tamarkin. He took over the oldest Leica dealership in the U.S. in 2010, and moved Tamarkin Camera to Chicago. Meanwhile, he’s appeard on a few podcasts and written a few articles, when he is not helping clients pick out the perfect Leica…

Getting Here

The Alliance Française de Chicago is one block from the CTA Red line stop at Chicago Avenue. Best bus routes are the 22 on Clark and the 66 on Chicago Avenue. A Divvy station is located in front of the 54 W Chicago Ave entrance.

Parking Information

$10 for 12 hours at 100 W Chestnut St. Validation is available at reception.

Photography Notice

Please be advised that students, members, and attendees at cultural events or programs may be photographed, and these images may be used for marketing purposes.