Les Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles
Thomas Werner
Opening Week at France’s Premier Photographic Festival, Les Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles
It was July in the South of France, and it seemed as if half the country was heading to Les Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles. As Mia Macfarlane, co-founder of IRK said, “For this week, it’s the place to be in France.” This was my first Recontres De La Photographie d’Arles. Recontres had invited me to review portfolios at the main festival, and I was looking forward to meeting the international roster of reviewees. As a matter of fact, everyone who had been to the festival spoke of the talent, the endless exhibitions, and of course the parties. The week did not disappoint.
Les Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles: The Reviewees
The twenty photographers that I met with at Arles worked in fashion, fine art, documentary, and editorial photography. They heralded from fourteen different countries. That alone provided a survey of contemporary photographic perspectives from around the world. When added to the 40 exhibitions hosted by Recontres, there was a range of work to indulge in. Altogether, there are 200 additional exhibitions by the Festival OFF Arles. Basically, OFF is less curated and more accessible, making it one of the largest photography festivals in the world. It is important not to forget the local galleries, shops, and artists exhibiting and selling around the city as well. It is impossible to take everything in while you are there. Given that, it is best to plan ahead and enjoy a mix of select experiences and those you happen upon as you walk the city.
Les Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles: The Exhibitions
Although there were well-known image makers on view at Arles, I was inspired by others. Nina Welch-Kling presented a visual recollection and peripheral perceptions, transforming New York pedestrians into delicate illustrations of color. Exhibited at the Kehrer Gallery, it was the most contemporary street documentary photography that I have seen in years. Rafaelle Lorgeril, author of the cover image that opens the story, presented a series of images and a book prototype with hauntingly beautiful photographs. Overall, whether fashion, portraiture, or landscape, her pictures were filled with emotion and personal perspective. Finally, Aman Alam, the Laureat du Serendipity Arles Grant Winner, presented Ozymandias. Specifically, the exhibition explored the impact of cognitive decline. Specifically, the decline of his Grandmother and her penchant for making up stories. The exhibition, part of Les Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles, blurred the lines between his Grandmother’s experience and his own.
Beyond Photography
Beyond photography, Arles offers a rich architectural and artistic history. You will regularly stroll down narrow winding streets and past the Roman Amphitheater. Medieval architecture and Roman churches open into town squares. All providing an endlessly beautiful experience. In addition, gardens and local cafes painted by Van Gogh and Gauguin, plus wonderful food and fresh gelato to soothe warm days. And great conversation. Les Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles is truly an experience not to be missed.
By Editor-at-Large, Thomas Werner
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Thomas is the author of the books The Business of Fine Art Photography, Routledge, New York, The Fashion Image for Bloomsbury Publishing, London, and Twenty One Summers, co-authored with former Microsoft Search and AI team leader Derrick Connell. He is also an Editor at Large for IRKmagazine, a Paris based print publication and website, Board Member for the Santa Fe CENTER for Photographic Art, Founder of Chasing Beauty Publishing, and past Photography Program Director at Parsons School of Design in New York. He is the former owner of Thomas Werner Gallery in Manhattan’s Chelsea Art District, and a former National Board member and New York Chapter President for the American Society of Media Photographers. As well as a former Advisory Board Member for Ithaca College’s Executive Education Program, contributor to Adobe’s Lightroom Academy, and a photography consultant for COACH, among others. As an exhibiting artist Thomas was represented by galleries in New York and Los Angeles, and his work reviewed in The New Yorker Magazine.
Werner led a team developing a media and literacy website for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations/UNESCO and was a recurring instructor for the United Nations Education First Summer School. From 2005 – 2019 he worked with the United States Department of State on cultural projects in Russia partnering with 32 cultural, educational, and governmental organizations to develop projects in 29 cities. Partners have included; The State Hermitage Museum, the National Center of Contemporary Art, Perm Regional Government, The Moscow Biennale for Young Art, National Centre of Photography for the Russian Federation, The Central State Archive of Film, Photographic and Phonographic Documents, The Moscow Biennale, and others. His private collection of Russian photographs and artifacts have been exhibited internationally.
Currently a creative consultant, Thomas works one on one and in workshop settings with students, creatives, businesses, cultural institutions, and not for profits, helping them with personal goals, career development, career transition, team management, innovation, education, and the development of effective communication across multiple media platforms.
Thomaswernerprojects.com
@Thomaswernerprojects IG
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