Les Rencontres d’Arles 57th Edition Explores Alternative Narratives
The 57th edition of Les Rencontres d’Arles will take place from July 6 to October 4, 2026, highlighting alternative viewpoints in photography. Curator Nadine Hounkpatin's vision reflects a recent directive by the Trump administration that prohibited the display of 'The Scourged Back' in U.S. National Parks. The event will include the Discovery Awards, featuring artists such as Jordan Beal and Amira Lamti, known for their innovative works like 'Bent el Machta'. Additionally, notable exhibitions will showcase creations by Aman Alam and Camille-Renée Devid, with director Christoph Wiesner emphasizing the festival's focus on artistic complexity.
Key facts
- Les Rencontres d’Arles 57th edition runs July 6 to October 4, 2026.
- Curator Nadine Hounkpatin curated the Discovery Awards.
- Trump administration ordered removal of 'The Scourged Back' image in September 2025.
- Painting by Amy Sherald was censored in Washington.
- Caribbean art exhibition at Centre Pompidou-Metz was cancelled.
- Discovery Award artists: Jordan Beal, Souleymane Bachir Diaw, Amira Lamti, Mallory Lowe Mpoka, Magali Paulin, Phan Quang, Charlotte Yonga.
- Emerging Voices includes Aman Alam, Camille-Renée Devid, and group show 'The Cannibal Image'.
- Paul Kodjo's 'Photoromance' is his first major solo show in France.
- Solo shows by William Klein, Harry Gruyaert, and Ming Smith are included.
- Festival director Christoph Wiesner promotes complexity and attentiveness.
Entities
Artists
- Nadine Hounkpatin
- Carrie Mae Weems
- Jordan Beal
- Souleymane Bachir Diaw
- Amira Lamti
- Mallory Lowe Mpoka
- Magali Paulin
- Phan Quang
- Charlotte Yonga
- Aman Alam
- Camille-Renée Devid
- Alessandra Chiericato
- Edward Steichen
- Thato Toeba
- Paul Kodjo
- William Klein
- Harry Gruyaert
- Ming Smith
- Amy Sherald
- Christoph Wiesner
Institutions
- Les Rencontres d’Arles
- US National Park
- Centre Pompidou-Metz
- Louis Roederer Foundation
- MAMEDIS (Mass Media Service)
Locations
- Arles
- France
- United States
- Washington
- Louisiana
- Tunisia
- Madagascar
- Vietnam
- Japan
- Africa
- South Africa
- Ivory Coast