2026... it has been more than ten years since the Symbiose project began and has been growing, summer after summer, in naturist resorts.
Since 2015, Alexis has been travelling around campsites offering body painting sessions, accompanied – if participants wish – by a photo shoot. It all started at the Club du Soleil de l'Essonne in Île-de-France, the very first place to host it. That same year, the project's website was launched.
Over time, Symbiose has found its audience. Its presence has been strengthened by several art exhibitions (Laborde, Euronat, etc.), which are essential for showcasing, sharing and bringing this work to life. Because art is not meant to remain confidential: it is meant to be encountered. Not necessarily to be popular, but to be recognised for its uniqueness.
A simple and inclusive principle
The concept of Symbiose is based on a very simple idea: to welcome anyone who wishes to participate, regardless of age, body type or appearance.
Individuals, couples, families... everyone can participate, with or without a photo shoot (although in most cases, this accompanies the body painting). Participants then return to their "textile" daily lives with strong and personal memories, and receive their images via a private link.
Over the years, a dozen naturist resorts have hosted the project: L'Églantière, La Genèse, Bélézy, and many others. Each location is carefully explored in search of the most beautiful natural settings to showcase the painted bodies. Without these naturist resorts and the trust of the participants, Symbiose would never have been possible... or lasted.
How does a Symbiose stay work?
Upon arrival at a resort, Alexis sets up a stand in a space defined with the naturist campsite teams. Often, a passageway is chosen. At the stand, there are photos, texts, and a massage table. In general, within a few days, everyone is aware of this new activity.
"I never stay for the whole summer: the stays are short (three weeks maximum). Information is circulated through posters and the entertainment programme, and then... I let things happen naturally. Conversations start, questions arise, connections are made," says Alexis. "Some people walk by without stopping, others watch from a distance, a few are more reserved... but most come to chat, curious and open. Soon, the first appointments are made and the sessions begin."
How does a session work?
The session begins with a pose: the participant lies down while the design gradually takes shape on their body. Once the creation is complete, it's time for the photo shoot.
Today, Alexis takes the photos himself, in a caring and respectful setting. Very often, the body-painted people choose to keep their paint on for as long as possible, thus becoming, almost in spite of themselves, a living showcase for the project.
At the end of the session, each participant signs a consent form specifying any restrictions (e.g. anonymity or no face). The final images are then sent via a private and secure link.
An experience that is always unique
What makes each session so special is that no two are alike.
The bodies, the postures, the gazes, the landscapes: everything changes, everything influences the drawing. The motifs are never reproduced identically. Even a similar structure always evolves differently.
This is the power of a living art, rooted in reality and human relationships. An art that is created in the moment, without automatism, and that can never be replaced by technology, no matter how advanced it may be. Here, the encounter is essential.
What's next?
Over the past year or two, Symbiose has gained new momentum: more visitors, more participants, but above all, more support. Thanks to the Ko-fi page, some people have chosen to support the project with a monthly or annual donation, giving them access to a private space with a new shoot published every week.
This support is invaluable and gives wings to the adventure. The next goal is to invest in new, more powerful photographic equipment.
In the meantime, the project continues: winter is spent sorting, selecting and working on the images from summer 2025, as well as looking for new locations for summer 2026.
To discover, follow or support the Symbiose project, or simply to get in touch with Alexis, visit Symbiose.
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