Unveiling the face of French photography through half a century of photographs is the craziest and most successful bet of this open-air exhibition in one of the most beautiful settings to host it, the Domaine national du Palais-Royal. Behind this ambitious artistic project, there is a beautiful book entitled «50 ans de photographie française» designed by art historian Michel Poivert and published, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, at Textuel editions. Built as a true human dive in five contemporary decades when photographic art exploded, never has such work been done before.
I am pleased that the Ministry of Culture is organizing this unique photographic exhibition, presenting the names of photography that make up our precious artistic heritage. Open to all and free, it carries high the missions of the ministry: promoting artists in the diversity of their career, respect for the parity erected as a major issue, promotion of the French artistic scene and accessibility of art to all.
Choosing the Palais-Royal National Domain is not insignificant. At the foot of the Ministry of Culture, it is a place of stroll for both Franciliens and tourists. It is also a place where various forms of art interact with the success known to them: architecture and gardens, the Comédie-Française, the work of Daniel Buren Les Deux plateaux, the mobile fountains of Pol Bury. Spaces and works that all have appropriated. Let us hope that the same goes for the photographs of this exhibition, that they resonate in their hearts, that they recognize themselves in this theatre of men and women in the open.
Franck Riester
Minister of Culture