Three Photography Shows at Les Rencontres d'Arles Explore History, Identity, and Resistance

The 57th edition of Les Rencontres de la Photographie in Arles, directed by Christoph Wiesner, presents over 40 exhibitions organized into constellations like 'Independence' and 'Forms of Life' rather than a single theme. A key exhibition, 'Ghana! Dreaming Independence 1957-1976' (until 4 October), curated by Damarice Amao at the Palais de l'Archevêché, examines how photography helped construct national identity after Ghana's independence from Britain in 1957, featuring works by James Barnor, Felicia Abban, Willis E. Bell, Paul Strand, and contemporary artists Carlos Idun-Tawiah and Rita Mawuena Benissan. At Luma Arles (until 10 January 2027), 'Stan Douglas: Bodies Never Lie' includes the new film 'Exquisite Corpse' (2026), set in 1950s Francoist Spain, exploring flamenco as resistance, alongside works like 'Vancouver, 15 June 2011' re-enacting the Stanley Cup riot. At the Musée Réattu, fashion designer Christian Lacroix curates 'Photography Collector' (until 4 October), featuring selections from celebrated photographers and anonymous vernacular images, including works by Katerina Jebb and Sarah Moon. The museum, which established France's first photography department in 1965 under Lucien Clergue and Jean-Maurice Rouquette, provides historical resonance.