Les Rencontres de la photographie d’Arles Kicks Off its 56th Edition
In an increasingly gloomy world, the 56th edition of the Rencontres de la photographie d’Arles has chosen to stand as an artistic stronghold by celebrating the diversity of cultures, origins and genres. By choosing the theme ‘Disobedient Images’, this major event presents a programme that highlights indomitable plural identities, envisioning photography as testimony and an instrument of resistance.
A number of exciting projects are already much anticipated. The winner of the Women In Motion 2025 prize, famous American photographer Nan Goldin will be presenting ‘Stendhal Syndrome’, a slide show that brings together photographs by the artist and historical masterpieces. Meanwhile, the “US Route 1” project focuses on socio-economic and identity-related changes in the United States, while Louis Stettner connects American street photography to European photography. The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris will also be presenting an exhibition based on its collections.
Several exhibitions are being showcased as part of the Brazil-France 2025 cultural season, such as ‘Ancestral Futures’, which offers a reflection on colonial heritage and the struggles of minorities in Brazil. Meanwhile, ‘Retratistas do Morro’ is a major retrospective delving into the daily life of the country’s oldest and largest favela. This plethora of projects question memory of wars, family and friendship bonds as well as other social and cultural dynamics.
At the inauguration of the festival, we met Christoph Wiesner, Patrick de Carolis, Erica Lennard, Emilio Kalil et bien d’autres.
Photos: Michaël Huard, Jean Picon
