ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Portrait(s) Festival in Vichy Reframes Portraiture as a System of Visibility

festival-fair · 2026-05-06

The Portrait(s) photography festival in Vichy, France, takes place from June 19 to October 4, emphasizing how portraiture can shape identity and power. Notable artists featured are David LaChapelle, Paul Graham, Yohanne Lamoulère, Julia Gat, and Patrick Tournebœuf. LaChapelle presents a significant solo exhibition at the Grand établissement thermal de Vichy, displaying approximately one hundred pieces. Additionally, a complementary exhibition at the Nicéphore Niépce Museum explores the evolution of portraiture from early photography to digital formats. The festival also features interactive initiatives such as Portrait(s) s’invite à l’école and the Cabine Studio Harcourt installation. Supported by the Neuflize OBC Foundation, Graham's work is shown alongside public reactions, while Lamoulère’s images are paired with narration in La voix du regard.

Key facts

  • Portrait(s) festival runs June 19 to October 4 in Vichy, France.
  • Artists include David LaChapelle, Paul Graham, Yohanne Lamoulère, Julia Gat, and Patrick Tournebœuf.
  • LaChapelle's solo exhibition at Grand établissement thermal de Vichy features around 100 works.
  • Parallel exhibition with Nicéphore Niépce Museum traces portraiture from daguerreotypes to digital systems.
  • Des mots pour voir is supported by Neuflize OBC Foundation.
  • La voix du regard is led by Brigitte Patient.
  • Participatory projects include Portrait(s) s’invite à l’école and Cabine Studio Harcourt.
  • Festival operates as part of the LUX network.

Entities

Artists

  • David LaChapelle
  • Paul Graham
  • Yohanne Lamoulère
  • Julia Gat
  • Patrick Tournebœuf
  • Andy Warhol
  • Brigitte Patient

Institutions

  • Portrait(s)
  • Grand établissement thermal de Vichy
  • Nicéphore Niépce Museum
  • Neuflize OBC Foundation
  • CAVILAM-Alliance Française
  • LUX network
  • Aesthetica Magazine

Locations

  • Vichy
  • France
  • Marseille
  • Bath
  • New York
  • Paris
  • Hawaii

Sources