Jean-Claude Cousteille, who operated a photography studio in Bergerac for more than twenty years, has immortalized countless scenes of life both locally and abroad over five decades of work. The humanist photographer is currently showcasing some of his most beautiful images in an exhibition at Périgueux, running until September 6.
Cousteille's photographs contain echoes of renowned masters Robert Doisneau and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Like these legendary photographers, the 83-year-old Cousteille identifies himself as a humanist photographer – one of those artists who love capturing people in their daily lives and revealing the beauty and preciousness of simple moments, even when photographing celebrities. His career spanning more than fifty years has resulted in a treasure trove of life scenes and portraits frozen on film.
The current exhibition, titled "Preserved Moments," is being held at L'Appart gallery in Périgueux, Dordogne. The showcase honors the cities and villages of Périgord as they existed in bygone eras, offering viewers a glimpse into the past through Cousteille's lens. Among his subjects were iconic figures like Brigitte Bardot and Joséphine Baker, captured during the vibrant decades of the 1960s and 1970s.
Cousteille is a true son of the region, having been a lifelong resident of Bergerac. "My family's roots in this city go back to around 1500," he explains, emphasizing his deep connection to the area. It was in this very place that his passion for photography was born, sparked by his father's old Kodak camera. This early introduction to photography would eventually shape his entire career and artistic vision.
The photographer's work stands as a testament to the power of humanist photography, capturing not just images but the essence of human experience across different social strata and time periods. His ability to find extraordinary moments in ordinary life, whether photographing international stars or local villagers, demonstrates the democratic nature of his artistic approach. The exhibition runs through Saturday, September 6, offering visitors an opportunity to experience these carefully preserved moments from France's cultural past.
