Photographer Jérémy Simonnet from Claix has successfully completed his ambitious photography project "Regards 101" (Glances 101), capturing portraits of 101 residents from the Charente region of France. The project, which began two and a half years ago following an appeal published in the local newspaper Charente Libre, aims to create a mosaic of faces celebrating humanity through the diverse expressions of local people.

The photographer's initial call for volunteers generated an overwhelming response from the community. "I received more than 700 calls within 24 hours after your article was published," Simonnet smiled, referring to the original newspaper feature that launched his project. "I photographed the first 101 people who responded." This remarkable community engagement demonstrates the strong interest locals had in participating in this artistic celebration of human diversity.

Now approaching the finish line, Simonnet is preparing for the project's official launch event, scheduled for November 27 in Saint-Yrieix. However, the photographer needs one final push of support to bring his vision to full completion. The launch event will showcase the entire collection of portraits, presenting a unique visual representation of the Charente community through Simonnet's artistic lens.

The "Regards 101" project represents more than just a collection of photographs; it serves as a tribute to the humanity and diversity found within a single French region. Each portrait captures not just the physical appearance of the subjects, but also aims to reflect their individual stories and the collective spirit of the Charente community. Simonnet's dedication to this project over the past two and a half years highlights his commitment to celebrating ordinary people through extraordinary artistic vision.

As the launch date approaches, the photographer continues to seek community support to ensure the project reaches its full potential. The upcoming November event in Saint-Yrieix will mark the culmination of years of work and community collaboration, presenting a comprehensive artistic statement about human connection and local identity in the Charente region.