You grew up in the Paris region. What links do you have with Brittany?
My grandmother is from Poullaouen (29). When I was little, I spent my holidays there. She was part of the Celtic circle of Huelgoat (29) and has retained all of her traditional costumes. I also have a little cousin, Marie Léap, former queen of the Brodeuses (2014) and member of the Ar Vro Vigoudenn circle in Pont-l'Abbé (29). I attended several performances and I was very impressed by the dressing sessions, all these gestures around preparation.
Why did you concentrate your work on this?
I like this relationship with the body. The time of dressing is a suspended, meticulous time, like a ceremonial, even a sacrament. It is also a forced waiting time. I wanted to capture these moments of great concentration and this great diversity of costumes.
How were you able to get into the circles?
I contacted the Kenleur confederation directly, which was immediately attracted by the project. Matthieu Lamour, its president, took me behind the scenes. Between 2022 and 2024, I covered several major Breton gatherings, such as Saint-Loup in Guingamp (22), Tradi'Deiz in Vannes and the Interceltique festival in Lorient.
What was your approach to the dancers?
I kept a certain distance so as not to disturb and preserve the naturalness of the scenes I was photographing. I chose to work in low light, with fairly pronounced chiaroscuro.
There is no legend but texts by Jane Sautière. Why this author?
I really liked his book “Dressing” (published in 2013), which discusses his relationship with clothing. I gave him carte blanche. His texts, personal, sensitive and sensory, make the link with my images.
What surprised you the most about contact with circles?
I didn't expect to discover such an anthill! The circles form like a big family where everyone has managed to maintain their identity. I discovered many young people who were passionate and involved. It's sometimes very intense, I've seen people cry.
Have these meetings changed your relationship with Brittany?
Yes, it made me want to learn to dance. I have since been taking classes at the Breton Mission in Paris.
You are a speech therapist by trade. How did you learn photography?
My father was a fan of wildlife photography, I followed him on his outings. I learned this other form of language alongside him.
Practical
“Revetir” by Aurélie Scouarnec, 144 pages, published by Rue du Bouquet. Price: €45. The author will be signing on December 7, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Gwarlan bookstore, in Lannion (22), and on December 14, from 3:30 p.m., at the Livres in room bookstore, in Saint- Pol de Léon (29). Exhibition from March 11 to September 14, 2025, at the Champs Libres, in Rennes.
