Maison Keï Akai is proud to unveil DAMIER, a striking new black-and-white group exhibition opening on Thursday, June 12th, in celebration of Grand Prix Montreal 2025 weekend. Drawing inspiration from the graphic elegance of the iconic checkered flag, the exhibition is a bold homage to the visual language of Formula 1 and the energy it brings to Montreal each summer.

The show runs through June 30th.

AOC’s pleasure in sharing this Maison Keï Akai news flows from the intersection of multiple events, cultural issues and people who have touched my life in very positive ways. Photographer Richard Bernardin is one of them. Louis Vuitton Men’s Creative Director Pharrell Williams is another.

Louis Vuitton is now the official sponsor of Formula One — giving AOC the chance to write about the history of damier symbolism from antiquity in religion, art and psychology onwards to the history of Louis Vuitton and Formula 1 and lastly into the vision and values of the photographer at the center of the Maison Keï Akai show: Richard Bernardin.

Richard Bernardin: the Heart of Maison Keï Akai’s ‘Damier Exhibition

Breathing “life, sensuality and wisdom” [all Anne’s words] into the Montreal exhibition is internationally-acclaimed fashion photographer Richard Bernardin, whose evocative large-format black-and-white prints will be prominently featured.

Known for his cinematic aesthetic and ability to channel emotion through light, movement, and form, Bernardin’s work in Damier represents a powerful exploration of beauty, identity, and visual storytelling.

Bernardin’s first monograph, BERNARDIN – An Appreciation for Beauty

In conjunction with the exhibition, Maison Keï Akai is thrilled to mark the official launch of Bernardin’s first monograph, BERNARDIN – An Appreciation for Beauty. Although originally published last year, this moment marks its formal unveiling. A limited collector’s edition of only 20 numbered and signed copies will be made available, each accompanied by a fine art print created exclusively for this launch.

This special evening promises to be a highlight of the cultural calendar, merging the intensity of race weekend with the timeless sophistication of fine art and fashion photography.

Much of AOC’s writing this week will be devoted to Richard’s photography, his persona, his worldview and human values — and an interesting study in how total two strangers — but humans with an affinity for each other based on Richard’s photography and Anne’s writing — have suddenly intersected in an explosion of intellectual exchange with a strong human undercurrent.

Anne and Richard

Coincidentally, Anne conceived last Monday of a game-changing vision expansion for Anne of Carversville. My idea involves a truly unique fusion — and you can take those words to the bank — of AOC and the creative community on an initiative that helps original, emerging talent.

But it also goes deep into the most important issues of our time in intellectual exchanges and self-expression that will require mind muscle and a willingness to express ourselves with unusual candor.

On Monday I was undaunted by the question: “And how will you pull this off, Anne?” It’s not me to call up my friends and say “This idea is REALLY Good.”

Bernardin has never asked me for one tiny favor. But this show is a great opportunity to bring us together.

So goddess bless Richard Bernardin. He took the plunge and his assistant Julian B reached out to me at noon on Wednesday, June 4. To say that the earth shook within hours is not an understatement. You’ll see.

Not even the photographer knows what I have in mind, as he must focus on this terrific upcoming show in Montreal, and I will not be a distraction. But my response got him thinking.

Thanks again for totally screwing up my day, Julian. But ancient, ancestral voices are behind you. And they are fired up and ready to go. We are just playing-catchup messengers. Send me what you have ASAP so I can review it tonight. Many thanks. ~ Anne