Eric James Guillemain: Backstage Dreams

Backstage Dreams: The Secret Door to Sets is the first monograph by Eric James Guillemain, presenting more than 200 images and spanning over 15 years of his career.

This book documents intimate and privileged moments when the actress and actor are at their most vulnerable—reserved and self-reflective before any performance—considering, contemplating, and caught without preparation.

Guillemain's work creates a fascinating juxtaposition of these theatrical empty scenes of setting with a secret and rare series of portraits revealing that final breath or step from the wings to the stage, from the dressing room to the set.

From Wim Wenders to Helen Mirren, Nick Cave, Anya Taylor-Joy, Isabelle Huppert, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson, Vanessa Paradis, and more, this book offers a glimpse into moments that are usually unseen and that evolve into an unexpected meditative art experience.

They carry the expectation and anticipation of things to come, of creations yet to unfold.