IRIS ARLES is presenting a captivating exhibition by Georgian photographer David Meskhi as part of the prestigious Rencontres d'Arles 2025 photography festival. The exhibition, titled 'Our Son, My Moon,' showcases Meskhi's remarkable photographic works that were previously displayed at the Musée d'art moderne et contemporain Saint-Étienne Métropole.

For Meskhi, gymnasiums have held a special fascination since his childhood, a connection deeply rooted in his personal history. His father served as a coach for the former Soviet Union's national gymnastics team, providing the photographer with an intimate understanding of athletic spaces and the human form in motion. Currently residing in Berlin, Germany, Meskhi was invited to participate in a residency program in Saint-Étienne, which subsequently led to his exhibition at the Musée d'art moderne et contemporain de Saint-Étienne Métropole. This exhibition received special recognition as it was officially labeled by Paris 2024 as part of the Olympiade Culturelle, highlighting its cultural significance in the context of the Olympic movement.

Meskhi's photographic works capture the extraordinary physical expression of young athletes in various states of movement and suspension. His images document these performers on the ground, floating gracefully above trampolines, or appearing suspended in mid-air as they climb and leap. The photographer draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources, from classical religious paintings to the animated films of renowned Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki, all of which explore the concept of levitation and its ability to evoke unique emotional responses in viewers.

Rather than focusing on the raw dynamism typically associated with athletic movement or the excitement that such performances generate, Meskhi's artistic approach presents a more contemplative and serene representation of human figures. His photographs capture athletes as if they are frozen in moments of absolute freedom from the constraints of gravity, creating an almost ethereal quality to their movements. The young performers are bathed in the soft, natural light that filters into the gymnasium, creating an atmosphere that suggests divine grace or spiritual blessing surrounding their athletic endeavors.

Meskhi's artistic exploration of movement and youth culture extends beyond gymnastics. In 2015, he co-directed a documentary film titled 'When the Earth Seems to Be Light,' which focused on the skateboarding community in Georgia. Skateboarding has maintained its iconic status within global culture for decades, serving not only as a sport but as a cultural practice that promotes resilience, encourages participation, and champions the values of community and belonging.

Through his photographic lens, Meskhi illuminates the dynamic nature of movement, whether in skateboarding or gymnastics, presenting these activities as more than mere athletic pursuits. His images suggest that such physical expressions can be interpreted as manifestations of youthful passion and energy, or alternatively, as powerful representations of resistance against external pressures and societal constraints. The photographer's work captures the intersection between physical prowess, artistic expression, and cultural identity, creating a body of work that speaks to universal themes of freedom, grace, and human potential.

The exhibition 'David Meskhi: Our Son, My Moon' will be on display from July 5 through August 17, 2025, at IRIS ARLES, located at 4 rue Croix Rouge, 13200 Arles. The gallery will be open to the public from 11 AM to 7 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. For additional information about the exhibition and upcoming events, visitors can access iris-arles.fr.