France is marking the 200th anniversary of photography with a series of exhibitions across the country. Museums and cultural institutions are using the occasion to show how photography has changed since its early development in the 19th century.
One of the major highlights is an exhibition at the National Library of France. It explores the history of Japanese photography, from the period after the Second World War to modern image-making. The display also looks at the Provoke movement, which helped change the way photographers approached their work.
The Bourse de Commerce in Paris is presenting around 700 works from the collection of businessman François Pinault. The exhibition includes photographs by well-known artists and a major presentation of the work of Irving Penn.
Other exhibitions in Paris focus on fashion photography, feminist photography and documentary images. Visitors can also explore photographs by artists who recorded political events and social changes around the world.
The Louvre is presenting more than 300 photographs taken inside the museum. Meanwhile, the Albert Kahn Museum is revisiting an important collection of photographs and films connected to its founder’s interest in peace and international understanding.
The anniversary programme also reaches beyond Paris, with exhibitions in cities such as Besançon, Montpellier and Tours. Together, the events highlight photography’s role in art, history, journalism and everyday life.
