The Galerie du Fort Liédot, located on Île d'Aix, has opened a compelling photography exhibition featuring the work of Daniel Nouraud. The exhibition, titled "Place de la grève échos du rivage," runs through September 30, 2025, and is presented in partnership with the prestigious Corderie Royale de Rochefort-sur-Mer. The showcase includes an accompanying text written by renowned critic Alain Bergala, providing deeper insight into Nouraud's artistic vision.
Bergala's accompanying essay explores the fundamental motivations behind Daniel Nouraud's artistic journeys, questioning why the photographer embarks on such creative expeditions. According to Bergala, Nouraud's travels are not driven by conventional desires that motivate other photographers or artists. He does not journey simply to reach a destination, discover new landscapes around the world, gather nostalgic memories like the Romantics, or expose himself to the dangers of the unknown like traditional adventurers.
Instead, Bergala explains that Nouraud's purpose is far more profound and philosophical. The photographer seeks to place himself in a state of pure reception, completely free from any preconceived notions or expectations. In this mental state, Bergala describes, the world appears young, fresh, and innocent, where nature and abstraction exist in perfect harmony rather than opposition. This unique perspective allows species to coexist in what Bergala calls "primal peaceful innocence," where the boundaries between the very near and very far dissolve entirely.
Bergala's analysis reveals that in this receptive state, shapes and colors enter into what he describes as "new, enigmatic, and joyful constellations." Through this approach, Nouraud captures and brings back traces of a world that possesses the joyful qualities found in a Miró painting or the enigmatic characteristics of a Paul Klee work. These visual signs and symbols become uniquely his to decipher and interpret, creating a personal artistic language that transcends conventional photography.
The critic emphasizes Nouraud's remarkable ability to maintain a state of childlike surprise and wonder when confronted with the enigmas of the visible world. This capacity allows him to completely forget the typical expectations that burden tourists, conventional photographers, romantics, and adventurers. By abandoning these preconceptions, Nouraud accesses a more authentic and pure form of artistic expression.
According to Bergala's assessment, Nouraud's true destination is not any physical location but rather "the land of innocent signs." This metaphorical journey represents the photographer's quest to discover and document visual elements that retain their original purity and meaning, unmarred by cultural assumptions or artistic conventions. The exhibition runs until September 30, 2025, at Fort Liédot on Île d'Aix, with additional information available through the exhibition's official website and Nouraud's personal portfolio site.
