The Arles Photography Festival is back with a bang, but this year it's the rebels who are stealing the show! Rather than relying on the big names, Les Rencontres de la Photographie has opted to showcase some seriously offbeat talent. The 57th edition of the festival is all about giving under-the-radar photographers their moment in the spotlight, and the results are nothing short of electrifying.
One exhibition that's got everyone talking is 'We Are Not Alone: Alien Images', a mind-bending collection of alleged UFO sightings and alien encounters from the 1960s to the 1980s. The show's not just about showing off dodgy photoshops or misidentifications – it's about tapping into our collective desire to believe in the unknown. And boy, does it work! You'll be on the edge of your seat as you delve into the world of supposed extraterrestrial activity.
But that's not all – the festival is also celebrating some truly pioneering photographers. At La Crosière, Ivorian legend Paul Kodjo gets his first major solo exhibition in France. His 'photo novels', shot for weekly Sunday papers in 1960s and 1970s Abidjan, are like a photographic soap opera – full of drama, romance, and subterfuge. It's a fascinating glimpse into the culture and social attitudes of West Africa during its golden era.
Another must-see is 'Animal Model' at Méchanique Generale, Luma Arles. This exhibition takes you on a whirlwind tour through two centuries of animal photography – from 19th-century naturalism to the latest TikTok trends. It's a masterclass in curating, avoiding sentimentality and instead showcasing some truly groundbreaking work by artists like Elliot Erwitt and Hiroshi Sugimoto.
The festival's willingness to take risks and push boundaries is what makes it so compelling. With an eclectic mix of exhibitions, including Masahisa Fukase's haunting 'Ravens' and Simona Kossak's wildlife photography, there's something for everyone. Les Rencontres de la Photographie is proving that photography doesn't just have to be about the big names – sometimes it's the underdogs who are doing something truly remarkable.