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November marks the 10th anniversary of Le Mois de la photo in Paris, a month-long photography festival that has proven fertile ground for rising photographers and sets the standard for contemporary photography around the world. The attention of half a million photography enthusiasts is focused on Paris every other year for this highly anticipated event. Seventy-nine diverse contemporary artists were selected for this year's showcase at 61 locations throughout the city. Each exhibition explores one of three chosen themes: "intimacy," "confinement" and the "photographic event," and offers a glimpse at some of the exciting developments awaiting in the next millennium. This year's festival features a tribute to Dutch photographer and filmmaker Johan van der Keuken, previews and opening shows, special events-lectures, conferences, films and awards as well as "Paris Photo," a new three-day international photography fair at the Carrousel du Louvre. FESTIVAL PREMIERE Le Mois de la Photo officially kicks off with the premiere of Martine Franck's "D'un jour, l'autre." Co-founder of the Agence Viva and associate member of Magnum Photos, Franck describes the transgressive way she photographs as being in two different worlds at once and with images dating back to 1965, those worlds vary from a playful moment in a Buddhist monastery to a summer afternoon at the beach with two young girls. Nov 8, 11am to 8pm, Maison EuropÈenne de la Photographie, 5/7, rue de Fourcy, 4e, Metro St-Paul, tel: 01.44.78.75.00, admission 30F/15F, closed Mon and Tue. OPENING SHOWS Three exhibitions surrounding Victor Hugo are presented for the festival opening. "En collaboration avec le soleil: Victor Hugo, photographies de l'exil" is a series of texts, drawings and photographs that Hugo produced in 1852 while exiled with his family in Jersey. Many were illustrations for his political pamphlets, "NapolÈon le Petit" and "Ch?timents." To Jan 20, 1999, MusÈe d'Orsay, 1, rue de la LÈgion d'Honneur, 7e, Metro SolfÈrino, RER Orsay, tel: 01.40.49.48.14, admission 40F/20F, closed Mon. Over a century apart, two photographers visited the seaside home Victor Hugo designed in Guernsey. Their images, revealed in "Dans l'intimitÈ de Victor Hugo ý Hauteville House-Edmond Bacot en 1862 et Olivier MÈriel en 1998," evoke the intimacy constructed within its unusual interior. To Jan 26, 1999, Maison Victor Hugo, 6, pl des Vosges, 4e, Metro St-Paul, tel: 01.42.72.10.16, admission 27F/19F, closed Mon. TRIBUTES The 1998 festival spotlights Johan van der Keuken with a retrospective on this experimental Dutch photographer and filmmaker. Exhibitions, installations and films are presented under the theme "Body and City." Highlights include: "Les Corps/les nus/voir et ne pas voir," large-format prints of barely distinguishable naked bodies that gradually come into focus accompanied by a blurred silent film of people making love; "New York/Colours on 42nd Street," a series of photographs portraying a mosaic of passers-by on a sidewalk between Time Square and 8th Avenue; and a new film titled "Last Words: My Sister Yoka (1935-1997)," in which van der Keuken recorded two conversations with his sister eight days before she died of cancer. Various portions of this retrospective are presented at the Maison EuropÈenne de la Photographie, Institut NÈerlandais, Maison de l'AmÈrique Latine, Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume and Le Fresnoy (Studio national des arts contemporains in Tourcoing). The festival also pays tribute to two recently deceased photojournalists with exhibitions that offer a visual commentary on the status and future of photography in today's society. Pierre Boulat (1924-1998), "Moments donnÈes," Nov 16 to Jan 4, 1999, MusÈe de l'Histoire de France, 60, rue des Francs-Bourgeois, 3e, Metro HÙtel de Ville, tel: 01.40.27.62.18, admission 20F/15F. FranÁois Tuefferd (1912-1996), "Le Cirque-photographies de 1933 ý 1954," Nov 6 to Feb 17, 1999, MusÈe National des Arts et Traditions, 6, av du Mahatma Gandhi, 16e, Metro Sablons, tel: 01.44.17.60.00, admission 20F, closed Tue. Jim Dine is one of the festival's guests of honor and the designer of this year's poster for the Month of Photography. Dine's current work mixes the century-old technique of photoengraving with modern computer technology to produce avant-garde "photo-graphics." To Feb 14, 1999, 11am to 8pm, Maison EuropÈenne de la Photographie, 5/7, rue de Fourcy, 4e, Metro St-Paul, tel: 01.44.78.75.00, admission 30F/15F, closed Mon and Tue. FESTIVAL THEMES "Confinement" "Webster's" defines "confinement" as something that encloses or restrains. The 16 photographers exhibiting works under this theme have used their own definitions to portray photography as an art of imprisonment. Their examples vary from physical instances of confinement such as people living in prisons or nursing homes, cities ravaged by war or a train passenger looking out of a window, to more abstract forms of confinement, such as a schizophrenic being trapped within his mind or someone held back from living by their memories, their egos or even their reflection in the mirror. Jane Evelyn Atwood's "Trop de peines: Femmes en prison" is a series of emotional photographs taken over a period of nine years in women's prisons throughout Europe and America. Atwood's images reveal a sensitivity and closeness to her subjects regardless of whether they were imprisoned for petty theft, drug offenses or serious crimes such as murder or infanticide. To Jan 31, 1999, 2-7pm, Parc de la Villette-Maison de la Villette, 211, av Jean-JaurËs, 19e, Metro Porte de la Villette, tel: 08.03.30.63.06, admission 30F, closed Mon-Wed. Orlan's "Refiguration," a collaboration with cyberspace, includes photographs produced on a computer via E-mail by merging the artists own photographs with images of ancient Indian sculptures. Nov 2 to Dec 6, 2-7pm, Galerie Espace d'Art Yvonamour Palix, 13, rue Keller, 11e, Metro Bastille or Charonne, tel: 01.48.06.36.70, free admission. Another exhibition titled "Ceci est mon corps" examines confinement within the body. In this aspect of her work, aptly labeled "carnal art," Orlan uses surgical instruments as art tools on her own body. Videotapes of these self-inflicted operations have been transformed into black and white photographic triptychs. Nov 4 to Dec 5, 1-7pm, Galeries J&J Donguy, 57, rue de la Roquette, 11e, Metro Bastille, tel: 01.47.00.10.94, free admission. David Nebreda, "Autoportraits." This Spanish photographer has suffered with schizophrenia since his adolescence. These dramatic self-portraits provide metaphorical and psychological reflections on his mental state over the past 20 years. Nov 5 to Dec 5, Galerie Xippas, 108, rue Vieille du Temple, 3e, Metro Filles du Calvaire, tel: 01.40.27.05.55, free admission, closed Sun & Mon. Toshio Shibata, "Terre et Paysages." Shibata emphasizes the negative effects of civilization on the environment through a series of non-traditional landscape photographs. Nov 13 to Jan 4, 1999, noon-7pm, Centre Nationale de la Photographie, HÙtel Salomon de Rothschild, 11, rue Berryer, 8e, Metro George V or Etoile, tel: 01.53.76.12.32, admission 30F/15F, closed Tue. INTIMACY The works of 29 photographers interpret the theme of Intimacy in images as revealing and unbridled as a first kiss. Whether their cameras were directed at family members, total strangers or the way light falls on two lovers locked in an embrace, these exhibitions invite viewers to be voyeurs of these passionate encounters. Philippe Migeat, "Dix minutes dans le noir." Philippe Migeat set up experiments to discover intimacy with his models. After sitting silently with them for 10 minutes in total darkness, he suddenly snapped their portrait without warning, using a bright flash to illuminate their often stunned expressions. To Nov 15, 11am to 7pm, Institut d'Etudes SupÈrieures des Arts, 5, av de l'OpÈra, 1er, Metro Palais-Royal, free admission. "Le Liban intime, photographie 1850-1960." Over 100 images by professional and amateur photographers offer an insider's view on the changes within Lebanese society over the past century. Nov 10 to Jan 10, 1999, 10am to 6pm, Institut du Monde Arabe, 1, rue des FossÈs St-Bernard, 5e, Metro Jussieu, tel: 01.40.51.38.38, free admission, closed Sun and Mon. AndrÈ KertÈsz, "L'intime plaisir de lire." KertÈsz successfully captured introspection on film by photographing people readingat cafÈs or wherever they happen to be at the moment. Many famous artists and writers who visited KertÈsz' Paris home in the 20s are among those pictured enjoying the intimacy of reading. Nov 12 to Jan 23, 1999, 10am to 7:30pm, FNAC Forum, 1/7, rue Pierre Lescot, 1er, Metro Les Halles, tel: 01.40.41.40.00, free admission, closed Sun. "Fictions Intimes." Over 140 works from the Centre Georges Pompidou Collection in collaboration with the ElectricitÈ de France Foundation aim to show how photography often contorts reality rather than reflecting it. Included are self-portraits of Andy Warhol and Robert Mapplethorpe in drag as well as works by Man Ray, Sophie Calle, Harry Callahan and Robert Doisneau. Nov 5 to Jan 17, 1999, noon-7pm, Espace Electra, 6, rue RÈcamier, 7e, Metro SËvres-Babylone, tel: 01.42.84.23.60, free admission, closed Mon. Duane Michals, "(A propos de) Walt Whitman." A symbolic series by this American photographer uses visual metaphors to interpret Walt Whitman's classic book of poetry "Leaves of Grass." Nov 4 to Jan 4, 1999, 10am to 7:30pm, FNAC Etoile, 26/30, av des Ternes, 17e, Metro Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile, tel: 01.44.09.18.00, free admission, closed Sun. Arthur Tress, "RÈtrospective." A look back on the surreal black and white portrait series this Jungian-inspired photographer and documentary filmmaker took in the '70s, color shots of the all-American juke box and his latest series of photo-caricatures and collages which poke at le prÈservatif. To Jan 10, 1999, 2-6pm, Galerie Esther Woerdehoff, 36, rue FalguiËre, 15e, Metro FalguiËre or Pasteur, tel: 01.43.21.44.83, free admission, closed Sun-Wed. Carole Bellaiche, "Les Amants." A personal tribute to the intimacy in loving relationships has taken the form of black and white photographs focused on the way that daylight and shadows wrap around the bodies of entwined lovers. Nov 4 to Dec 12, 10am-7pm, La Chambre Claire, 14, rue St-Sulpice, 6e, Metro OdÈon, tel: 01.46.34.04.31, free admission, closed Sun. "De l'amour: Un hommage discret ý Stendhal ý travers les collections de Paris Audiovisuel." This tribute to Stendhal includes photographs by Edouard Boubat, Jean-Philippe Charbonnier, Izis, Claude Nori and others. Nov 4-24, 11am to 6pm, Mairie du XVI, Salle des FÍtes, 71, av Henri-Martin, 16e, Metro rue de la Pompe, tel: 01.40.72.16.16, free admission, closed Sun. THE PHOTOGRAPHIC EVENT The works of 15 featured photographers have been grouped together under the third theme of Le Mois de la Photo, The Photographic Event. Mostly documentary in nature, these photographs explore the question, "what makes a photographic event?" and include images of world history, the underworld and the fashion world. "Wegee's World: life, death and the human drama." A retrospective on the career of Arthur Fellig (1899-1968), a man who perfected sensationalist press photography through his bold graphics and sordid subjects. Over 200 images highlight his hallmark style which has influenced photographers for generations. Nov 14 to Feb 14, 1999, 11am to 8pm, Maison EuropÈenne de la Photographie, 5/7, rue de Fourcy, 4e, Metro St-Paul, tel: 01.44.78.75.00, closed Mon and Tue. "MichaÎl von Graffenried: AlgÈrie, photographies d'une guerre sans images." These photos were taken clandestinely on the streets of Algeria where aiming a camera could be deadly. The images provide evidence of a war-torn country never seen on the six o'clock news. To Jan 31, 1999, 2-7pm, Parc de la Villette, Pavillon Paul Delouvier, 211, av Jean-JaurËs, 19e, Metro Porte de Pantin, tel: 01.40.03.75.82, admission 30F, closed Mon-Wed. Franco Zecchin, "Mafiosi Inginocchiatevi: La Sicile en rÈvolte." A cold-blooded account of the Italian Mafia scene in Sicily. Nov 3 to Dec 31, 9am to 8pm, Picto Bastille, 53 bis, rue de la Roquette, 11e, Metro Bastille, tel: 01.53.36.21.21, free admission, closed Sat and Sun. Carlos Mun?z-Yag¸e, "Le froissement du satin et les silences d'Yves Saint Laurent." A nine-year behind the scenes report on deified designer Yves Saint Laurent. From the drawing table to the catwalk, Mun?z-Yag¸e followed Saint Laurent's footsteps in creating his famous feminine fashions. To Nov 14, 3-10pm, Galerie Èof, 14, rue St-Fiacre, 2e, Metro rue Montmartre (Grands Boulevards), free admission, closed Sun and Mon. SPECIAL EVENTS Le Mois de la Photo rounds out its program with a series of lectures, discussions and films. The following highlights are held at the Maison EuropÈenne de la Photographie, Auditorium Bernard-Pierre Wolff, 5/7, rue de Fourcy, 4e, Metro St-Paul, tel: 01.44.78.75.00. "Roger Pic: RÈtrovision," a self-portrait filmed live in which Pic leads viewers on a guided tour of his life's work in photography, cinema and television. This 52 minute film features his photo archive of over 280,000 images as well as interviews with Picasso, Che Guevara, Fidel Castro and others. Nov 26 at 6pm. "Vicki Goldberg: The development of the culture of the image." This author and photography critic for The New York Times discusses the development of photography from the 19th century to today and its interaction with film and video. Nov 3 at 6pm and 8pm. Roundtable discussion with GÈrard Malanga. This poet, photographer and filmmaker was Andy Warhol's assistant at the Factory in New York from 1963 to 1970. The discussion coincides with the publication of his book "Screen Tests Portraits Nudes, 1964-1996." Nov 25 at 6 and 8pm. PARIS PHOTO 98 As part of Le Mois de la Photo, the Carrousel du Louvre hosts the second annual Paris Photo 98. This four-day international fair for 19th century, modern and contemporary photography brings together 85 exhibitors from some of the most prestigious photo galleries in America, Switzerland, Japan, Australia and France as well as publishers from 15 different countries. The photographers represented are as diverse and celebrated as Alfred Stieglitz, Robert Mapplethorpe, Martin Parr, Walker Evans, Man Ray and Robert Doisneau. Recent installations and photographs by former Talking Heads lead singer David Byrne are also presented in addition to several black and white portraits of Dali, Fernand LÈger and GÈrard Depardieu taken by the late, great Life Magazine reporter Pierre Boulat. This year's theme, "Regards Construits: photographie et architecture," pays tribute to American collector Howard Gilman and examines the intricate relationship between architecture and photography. Nov 20-23, Carrousel du Louvre, 99, rue de Rivoli, 1er, Metro Palais-Royal MusÈe de Louvre, tel: 01.42.77.58.94, admission 60F/40F or 250F for a four-day pass. Information is also available online@www.parisphoto.photographie.com. |
