An internationally recognized and celebrated black and white photographer, Michael Kenna is above all an avid traveler. From these many stays in France, made for nearly fifty years, the British artist shares with us at the Château de Rambouillet 50 of the most emblematic original prints: from Mont-Saint-Michel to Paris, via Versailles, Carnac or even Le Puy-en-Velay. Throughout the rooms, the heritage of France is revealed, whether historical, natural or industrial, in urban, rural and coastal France, an eternal France.
Since his first trip in 1973, France has been the country that Michael Kenna has visited and photographed the most. His first image was made of Notre-Dame de Paris. Almost fifty years later, this country “which has so much to offer” and which he considers a good friend, is one of those to which he never ceases to want to return. The large number of photographs taken on the roads of France bears witness to his fascination.
In 2018, Michael Kenna was invited by the Center for national monuments to explore two important sites in its network: the national domain of Rambouillet and Les alignments of Carnac. He then produced around a hundred photographs, eighty of which were selected by the CMN for distribution in its Regards image bank. On this occasion, the Center for national monuments acquired nine original prints, six of which were donated by the photographer. It was at the end of this collaboration that the project for an exhibition at the Chateau de Rambouillet was born.
Curated by Sabine Troncin-Denis, Michael Kenna’s agent for Europe, and Laurent Bergeot, head of the documentary resources department of the Center for national monuments.
Michael Kenna : Voyage en France en 50 photographies
Until January 9, 2023
Château de Rambouillet
78120 Rambouillet, France
https://www.chateau-rambouillet.fr/
