The small village of Cavagnac in the Lot region of France is hosting a unique exhibition featuring portraits of its residents intertwined with local history and heritage. The exhibition, titled "Women, Men, and Heritage in Cavagnac," showcases the work of prominent photographer Donatien Rousseau, who has retired to the Lot region, in collaboration with local historian Michel Jarrige.
The exhibition, which runs until December 13, 2025, was inspired by the upcoming bicentennial of photography that will be celebrated in 2026, as announced by the French Ministry of Culture two years ago. This announcement immediately sparked an idea in Donatien Rousseau's mind, who constantly seeks to explore different themes through his work. "It jumped out at me that we needed to highlight the inhabitants, the heritage, and perhaps other elements that remain in the shadows," he explains.
The project gained additional significance when Rousseau remembered the work of celebrated portrait photographer Gisèle Freund (1908-2000), who lived in Carennac, just 8 kilometers from Cavagnac, for three years during the Nazi occupation due to her Jewish origins. "We couldn't miss that connection!" exclaims Rousseau, who incorporated this historical element into the exhibition. Michel Jarrige, president of the Friends of Cavagnac association, fully embraced the exhibition's theme, and the municipal library stepped in to support the project with funding from the Ministry of Culture and the Occitanie Region.
For the exhibition, 18 residents were selected to be photographed, including local artists Guy Nicolas, a sculptor, and Claude Roucard, a painter. The gallery of portraits features a mix of longtime locals and recent arrivals to the community, including residents of the renovated former stables of the local château. Rousseau drew inspiration from German photographer August Sander's approach, allowing each subject to choose their own space for the portrait. "Once on location, I would wait a bit and then take the portrait," Rousseau explains.
Michel Jarrige chose to be photographed at the Cavagnac church, explaining, "It symbolizes my roots, knowing that 10 generations have been baptized, married, and buried passing through this building." The diverse group of portrait subjects includes Amandine, the village nurse; Frédérique, an upholsterer; the founders of the TravLot cabaret (a couple of former hairdressers who were artists at Michou in Paris); professional musicians who teach at the conservatories of Tulle and Saint-Céré; local dignitaries; and newcomers to the village.
One particularly striking portrait features Sophie, the baker who makes bread using grains from her own farm, holding what appears to be a blurry family photograph. Rousseau explains this artistic choice: "This blur is, in a way, the imprint of what memories represent – we tend to idealize them, but deep down, they remain somewhat blurry." Other portraits include the school cafeteria worker who served meals to children before the school closed, an employee from the Andros company, a business owner specializing in parks, gardens, and flowers, and the lord of Saint Palavy castle.
The exhibition also features paintings by Claude Roucard, whose works were recently displayed in Brive, along with several reference photography books and new publications. The event has resulted in the creation of a catalog with a preface by Claire Fita, followed by photographic reflections by Françoise Paviot.
Looking ahead to 2026, plans are already underway for future exhibitions, including a photographic showcase of wild orchids – 14 species have been documented in the commune's territory – alongside 14 additional portraits of community members. The program will feature a general theme around the family album, with organizers calling for people who might have photographic documents that could tell the story of Cavagnac.
Through this exhibition, Cavagnac, with its 411 inhabitants, becomes a living mirror of its population and history. Donatien Rousseau offers a tender and timeless perspective on a territory where humanity and heritage blend together in the light of the Lot region, creating a meaningful celebration of community identity that bridges past and present.
