FLÂNEUSE

CHRIS McCANN

// Chris is based in Vancouver, Canada. She is not only a photographer herself, but also co-founder of the Vancouver Street Photography collective. Her passion lies in finding special moods to capture artistically while roaming the streets with her camera. We were struck by her series of swishing skirts and are pleased to share a selection from it.

“I see myself as an amateur street photographer, driven by the sheer enjoyment of capturing moments. Roaming the city streets, especially at night or in the rain, is my way of finding fulfillment. I thrive on creating mood and a sense of timelessness through abstraction in my photos. Instead of specific goals, my focus is on continually refining my photographic perspective. Beyond my personal pursuits, I co-founded the Vancouver Street Photography collective, where I’m passionate about championing both the genre and the talented photographers who contribute to it.”

We were curious about the origins of Chris´ instagram handle , so she explained, “My IG handle, tatsu_is_tatsu derived from the Japanese documentary exploring host clubs in Shinjuku, and Tatsu is the name of one of the subjects of the documentary. In the documentary’s context, the expression reflects the philosophy of embracing individuals for who they are on the inside, irrespective of their outward physicality.”

“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.”

Dorothea Lange

What draws you to the arts?

“For me, art is a visceral form of communication that transcends words. Whether it’s the strokes on a canvas or the curves of a sculpture, art speaks on an emotional level. It’s a silent dialogue between the viewer and the artist. Beyond personal connection, art bridges cultural gaps and connects people across time and space. In its essence, art enriches my understanding of the world, making it a meaningful part of my life.”

What do you like best about the project you submitted?

“These images carry personal importance for me, as they encapsulate the expansive idea of the flâneuse. Within these images, women emerge as powerful agents, claiming their space through deliberate actions and a strong, undeniable presence. It’s a visual celebration of women navigating and influencing physical environments with a sense of purpose, challenging traditional notions and reshaping the narrative of feminine presence in public spaces. The layers of meaning within these images unfold as a testament to the strength and autonomy of women in shaping the world around them.”

These visual narratives unfold in two interconnected series. The first, titled “Takeaway,” encapsulates the vibrant spirit of modern women navigating their dynamic lives. “My journey with Takeaway began in Singapore, where I observed women leaving their workplaces during lunch to grab a meal at the local hawker centers.Through a series of photos, women effortlessly merge style with practicality, presenting an array of bags, purses, and takeout meals. Each image narrates a tale of contemporary multitasking, where elegance harmonizes with the everyday —a celebration of gracefully carrying life’s essentials,” says Chris.

The second series, “Los Danzantes,” showcases women engaged in the art of dance, portraying it as both a source of pleasure and a highly technical practice. In both of these collections, the focal point is on the feet and legs of women, captured using motion blur techniques to replicate the fluidity of motion and movement.

Click on the photos to see a larger image.