Jacques Cilirie has become a household name in Guadeloupe as the photographer who captured an entire generation through his lens. His journey into photography began with two close friends who introduced him to the craft: Eric Mérault and the late Daniel Bourguignon. Together, they established a small darkroom laboratory in the back of a house belonging to the parents of their fourth companion, Paulin, nicknamed "Jojo." This humble beginning sparked what would become a lifelong passion.
"For me, photography isn't about one specific subject. Photography is everything. It's everything and it's nothing," Cilirie explained during a recent interview. "What might please you might not please someone else. But I always made sure that what I created would first please me. And when it pleased me, I wasn't ashamed to show it to others." This philosophy guided the retired photographer throughout his career, helping him develop a distinctive style that resonated with the people of Guadeloupe.
Cilirie's evolution in photography was significantly aided by his friendships and connections within the community. One particularly meaningful collaboration came through his relationship with Jacques Bambou, the former mayor of Pointe-à-Pitre, who was a young doctor at the time. Bambou provided Cilirie with a unique opportunity that would result in one of his most treasured photographs. "I asked him one day to let me come and photograph a baby being born from its mother's womb," Cilirie recalled. "I've kept that photograph because, for me, it's a photo of the birth of the world. It's not just because it's a child being born, but because all humans are born exactly like that child."
Despite photography's central role in his life, Cilirie's primary profession was as a physical education teacher. His dedication to education was evident in his approach to teaching, which earned him lasting respect from his students. "Listen, even today, when I meet former students, they embrace me. I might not even remember their names or faces. They come to remind me who they are and they embrace me, both boys and girls, because I was always a proper teacher," he said with pride. "I never arrived late to my classes. So, in return, I didn't accept anyone who arrived late either. This meant I always had students present and we could work without problems."
Beyond teaching and photography, Cilirie was also a soccer player. While modest about his athletic abilities, he acknowledged that he "wasn't bad" at the sport. This multifaceted background contributed to his well-rounded perspective on life and art, which influenced his photographic work throughout his career.
As a veteran photographer observing today's digital age, Cilirie has strong opinions about the current state of photography. He believes that the ubiquity of smartphones has created a false impression that everyone can be a photographer. "When I see them, honestly, it's not out of pretension, but it makes me laugh, because I say that photography is an art. And being an artist isn't given to everyone," he stated. "Now, I'm not saying I'm an artist, mind you. But let's say I handled my camera well. But cameras have evolved so much that they've surpassed me, and I acknowledge that."
Cilirie's legacy extends beyond individual photographs to encompass his role in documenting Guadeloupean society and culture during a crucial period in its history. His work represents not just technical skill, but also an intimate understanding of his community and the ability to capture moments that speak to universal human experiences. From births to everyday life, his photographs serve as a visual chronicle of Guadeloupe's social and cultural evolution, making him an invaluable contributor to the island's artistic heritage.
