From the grand edifice of Les Franciscaines to the vast sandy beach, the entire city of Deauville is transformed into a large-scale photography festival from October 19, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Thursday, October 24, marked the opening day of the Planches Contact festival, which is celebrating its fifteenth year in Deauville. “15 years is adolescence, and thus maturity… but it’s also a time for rebellion. The Festival enjoys raising questions, always in a literary, poetic, and intimate way,” says Laura Serani, artistic director of Planches Contact.
The tour begins under an azure sky at Point de Vue, the former club house of the Deauville Yacht Club, where visitors can see the works of the Tremplins Jeunes Talents, an impressive series by Éric Bouvet on French people, and a delicate project by Sophie Alyz illustrating coastal erosion.
Then, it’s off to the beach, a favorite setting for the festival, which this year hosts the exhibition “The Century of Vacations” from the Fnac’s collection. Strolling down Deauville’s iconic boardwalk toward the Petit Bain, visitors encounter Joan Alvado’s exploration of Normandy through the spiritual lens of the Vikings. Continuing on, they encounter more of Sophie Alyz’s work, presented in a larger-than-life format. Further on is the Grand Exposition, dedicated this year to Dominique Issermann. The artist’s monumental installation was designed to immerse viewers in her sculptural perspectives and silhouettes. Next, at the Grand Bain, intimate portraits by Bettina Pittaluga are delicately illuminated by the sunlight.
The journey continues away from the promenade into the heart of the city, to Les Franciscaines, a cultural venue housed in an 1875 building. Crossing through the Exhibition Court, visitors enter the worlds of seven artists-in-residence: Coco Amardeil, Alessandro Calabrese, Sara Imloul, Patricia Morosan, Richard Pak, Phillip Toledano, and Huang Xiaoling.
Further exploring the city, at François André Square, visitors can sit among Julien Mignot’s photographs, which pay homage to American cinema. On Rue Eugène Colas, Alessandro Calabrese returns with a series blending photography and painting. Following the sound of boat masts clinking, they arrive at Quai de l’Impératrice Eugénie, where Corinne Vachon’s portraits celebrate Norman craftsmanship. The day concludes at Quai de la Touques with a curated selection from the festival archives.
More Information:
Festival Planches Contact
Deauville, France
October 19, 2024 – January 5, 2025
