For its 9th edition, The Peuples & Nature festival of La Gacilly features Brazil, where the next Earth Summit, Rio+20, will take place.
“This year’s program continues our reflection about current international environmental concerns. It is important to have a viewpoint – but also see man’s actions and impact on the environment. We are passionate about ecology and nature, and about the quality of life, dependant on the quality of the environment. It is not just a question of naturalism, but above all about man’s place in his environment where respecting nature contributes to the quality of life. We are esthetes, we love what is beautiful and we treat with beauty what is meaningful to us. That is what we like about this festival” comments festival President, Auguste Coudray.
If Brazil is important, the 19 exhibitions are no less varied. They present themes such as overpopulation, widespread urbanization, over-consumption and people. People living in harmony with nature, as shown by Pierre de Vallombreuse’s pictures, or Anouk Garcia’s Chamanism, or even the life in Brittany by the duo Bassignac-Turpin .
What makes this festival unique is its presentation. Featured on oversized prints, the pictures hang on houses – like the one of Julio Bittencourt – or in nature. An homage is paid to Robert Doisneau whose pictures are featured in town. Discovered by his daughters, these pictures have never been seen before.
“It is a festival that appeals to all, fot its form. A serious and eclectic photo selection that can be appreciated by all.”
In these few words, Jean-Michel Turpin describes the festival spirit. By opening it up to all for 4 months, spectators are asked to look at pictures and question our way of life. They might actually find answers. “But I hate photography” comments Coudray, joking. “No, I am in love with photography when it is used as a means of expression.”
Juliette Deschodt
Peuples & Natures
From June 1 to September 30, 2012
56200 La Gacilly
France
Free entrance
General curator : Cyril Drouet
