In 8 days the Arles meetings : the most important photography festival in the world.
The program is promising and brings together all branches of photography.
Interesting to see what will come out of it when photography enters the unknown.
Image magazines are moribund, including the major fashion or current affairs titles which lose a reader at the slightest death of old age.
Galleries are running out of steam and big names are closing: Baudoin Lebon in Paris, Vrais Rêves in Lyon and Galerie 127 in Marrakech.
And the ultimate scourge: artificial intelligence, will put entire sections of photography and legions of photographers on the street.
Without forgetting the absolute death of photographic truth, the one that allowed Barthes to write: “It is photography that is the collective memory of the world.”
The lack of money killed the Off en Arles helped by social networks, hellish virtual paradises.
But paradoxically money, perhaps, will save the Rencontres d’Arles.
Patrons, foundations and sponsors are increasingly fond of still images.
Some of the most beautiful exhibitions today come from the private sector: HCB at Leclerc in Sarthe, Friedlander at Maya Hoffmann in Arles, Arnault, Pinault, Château Lacoste, Château Palmer, Carmignac, agnès b. …! Everyone gives in photography.
The worst is not always sure!
Jean-Jacques Naudet
Arles meetings
Opening week
1 > July 7, 2024
Expositions
July 1 > September 19, 2024
www.rencontres-arles.com
