▲ A Parallel History_Study after Man Ray, Tears, 1930-2022, Courtesy of Broadbeck & de Barbuat

Sungkok Art Museum is delighted to announce its upcoming exhibition, "French Photography Today: A New Vision of Reality," set to run from May 30 to August 18, 2024. This major exhibition marks the museum's first large-scale showcase of contemporary French photography in 16 years, providing a significant opportunity to introduce the latest trends in photographic art to the domestic audience.

The exhibition is co-curated by Emmanuelle de l’Ecotais, the founder and director of the Photo Days festival in Paris. She is a former photography curator at the Modern Art Museum of the City of Paris, bringing extensive experience and expertise to this project. Her involvement ensures a comprehensive representation of French photographic art, spanning both historical and contemporary perspectives. 

▲ Schindler, Inkjet Print, 104x158cm, 2023, Courtesy of Philippe De Gobert

The exhibition will feature works by 22 prominent French photographers, including Juliette Agnel, Valérie Belin, Brodbeck & de Barbuat, Raphaël Dallaporta, and others. These artists explore a wide range of themes, from classical subjects to cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, showcasing the dynamic evolution of French photography.

The exhibition is organized into four thematic sections. The 'Nature' section examines the interaction between the environment and human activity, highlighting efforts to restore ecosystems. Through visual representations, this section underscores the impact of human actions on nature and emphasizes the importance of environmental preservation.

▲ Still Life_The Pomegranate, Inkjet Print, 50x62.5cm, 2008, Courtesy of Veronique Ellena

The 'Still Lifes' section offers a modern reinterpretation of the genre that originated in 17th-century Western painting. By focusing on everyday objects, this section creates a dialogue between humans and the world, revealing the inherent beauty and significance of commonplace items. It invites viewers to discover new perspectives on familiar objects.

The 'Humans' section addresses complex themes such as the rise of artificial intelligence and the emergence of "new humans." This section explores the impact of technological advancements on human identity, presenting innovative approaches that transcend traditional portraiture. It prompts deep reflection on the essence of humanity. 

▲ 27 Recycle 27 Genesis, OPUS I, Prelude Series_Recycle 27, Inkjet print 80x100.6cm, 2017, Courtesy of Jean-Francois Lepage

Finally, the 'Spaces' section connects traditional three-dimensional concepts with virtual and transcendental dimensions. By presenting a spectrum where reality, imagination, and virtuality overlap, this section expands the notion of space in photographic art. Artists explore imaginative realms beyond physical boundaries, capturing them through photography.

This exhibition aims to highlight the diverse artistic trends and technological advancements in contemporary French photography, offering a fresh perspective on the medium's artistic value. By featuring works that incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, the exhibition explores the impact of technological progress on artistic expression. It also aims to illuminate the unique modes of expression in photography compared to traditional painting and to propose future possibilities for photographic art. 

▲ Clichy 1, Pigment Print, 110x145cm, 2022, Courtesy of Georges RousseThe exhibition will feature works by 22 prominent French photographers, including Juliette Agnel, Valérie Belin, Brodbeck & de Barbuat, Raphaël Dallaporta, Philippe De Gobert, Véronique Ellena, Jean-Michel Fauquet, Nicolas Floc’h, FLORE, Noémie Goudal, Laurent Grasso, Sophie Hatier, Ange Leccia, Letizia Le Fur, Jean-François Lepage, Raphaëlle Peria, Aurélie Pétrel, Eric Poitevin, Georges Rousse, Philippine Schaefer, SMITH, and Anaïs Tondeur. These artists collectively explore the evolution of photography over the past 200 years, from its classical roots to the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The exhibition will be open from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, with the last admission at 5:30 PM. The museum will be closed on Mondays. Docent tours are available daily at 2 PM, with an additional tour at 4 PM on Saturdays. On June 29 and July 13, only the 4 PM tour will be available due to special programs.▲ The poster of the exhibition, Courtesy of Sungkok Art Museum

Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com