The Rencontres d'Arles: A Summer of Photography
running until September 29th, 2024
For over fifty years, the Rencontres d’Arles has been a cornerstone of the photographic world, bringing both emerging and established talents to the forefront each summer. Celebrating the dynamism of young artists alongside iconic photographers, the festival holds a special place for French contributors, marking a significant milestone in any photographer’s career.
The Rencontres d’Arles bridges the gap between artists and the public, encouraging a deeper understanding of images in a visually saturated world. The festival’s educational initiatives engage over 10,000 young people annually, helping them decode and appreciate the world through photography.
The 2024 edition highlights the works of Mary Ellen Mark with a major retrospective, and Hugo Vitrani’s exhibition on graffiti in photography. Curators Christoph Wiesner and Aurélie de Lanlay transform Arles into a global mirror, reflecting the planet’s turmoil and hope, with a special focus on Japan.
Light and memory are central themes, explored by artists like Sophie Calle and Michel Medinger. The festival also includes interactive elements such as board games, apps, and online resources for young audiences, along with a variety of workshops, guided tours, and educational activities.
The 2024 Rencontres d’Arles is a mosaic of perspectives, offering new insights into humanity’s complex narrative. It is a time of discovery and experimentation, inviting attendees to explore diverse, interwoven stories through the lens of photography.
opening picture: Service on board a Capitole train dining car, 1966 – Wagon-bar, A little history of railway meals.
left picture: Stéphane Duroy, Cwmbach, Walles, 1979 – Courtesy of the artist.
right picture: Bruce Eesly, Peter Trimmel wins first prize for his UHY fennel at the Kooma Giants Show in Limburg, 1956, New Farmer series, 2023 – Courtesy of the artist.