On Sunday, May 10, in the presence of Aurelie Maillols, mayor, the opening of the photographic exhibition “Gitans en plein cœur” presented by the association Imag’in Banyuls at Dina-Vierny square, on the seafront and at the small square facing the Novelty hall, brought together a large audience. This outdoor exhibition dedicated to the Gypsy community of Saint-Jacques and Vernet, in Perpignan, deeply moved visitors with its human strength and remarkable quality of the photographs displayed.
An sensitive immersion into the Gypsy culture Led by photographers Stephane Lessieux and Pascale Fabre, this series of snapshots seeks not the folkloric effect but a true immersion into a culture where music, family, and transmission occupy an essential place. “Photographing the Gypsies without mentioning music is impossible,” as one of the texts accompanying the exhibition reminds. Guitars, songs, children’s gazes, and everyday scenes make up a vibrant and sensitive whole.
The opening was also marked by several highly appreciated musical moments from the public, notably the performance of the Els Nins choir, led by musician and singer Veronique Cipolat. A musical sequence that accompanied this evening dedicated to sharing with great accuracy. The presence of Gypsy children also stirred strong emotions among the visitors. “The children really touched the audience,” Pascale Fabre shared at the end of the evening.
The seafront turned into an open-air gallery This outdoor setup, open to all, fully participates in the spirit of the project: bringing photography out of its usual exhibition spaces to meet the residents and strollers. The large photographic formats set facing the sea interact with the Banyuls landscape while giving new visibility to this often overlooked Gypsy memory.
The exhibition is part of the Ascension flamenca event, which will take place in the streets, squares, and theaters of Banyuls from Thursday, May 14 to Saturday, May 16. It represents one of the most sensitive cultural extensions. Through the artistic quality of the images and the collective emotion stirred at the opening, Imag’in Banyuls undoubtedly presents one of its most remarkable exhibitions in recent years.
Exhibition until Sunday, May 17, at various locations in Banyuls. www.banyulsimages66.com Tel. 06 38 19 20 23.
