For its autumn exhibition, the Centre d’Art GwinZegal in Guingamp, France, will be exhibiting the photographs of Adolphe Braun (1812-1877) taken between 1842 and 1880. They demonstrate the diversity and quality of his work, artistically and technically, as well as his concern for how his photographs would be marketed, a pursuit essential to the economic stability of his business.
Braun is too often relegated to the role of a regional Alsatian photographer, but it’s interesting to consider his contribution to the dissemination of photography, a subject which remains highly topical today. The chosen mode of dissemination, the photo album, divided into thematic series—flowers, Alsace, etc.—already address the concepts of bodies of work, series, layout and formats, in many ways prefiguring what would come to occupy a central role in the creative work of many photographers: the book. In this way, Braun can be seen as a forerunner in the long history of photographic publishing.
EXHIBITION
Adolphe Braun : Albums 1842 – 1880
October 5th – November 30th 2014
Le Centre d’art GwinZegal
Espace François Mitterrand
1 Place du Champ au Roy
22200 Guingamp
France
