The fruit of more than 30 years of passionate research, the private collection of Jacques and Marie Claire de la Béraudière, shown to the public for the very first time, brings together iconic works by some of the greatest masters of modern photography. The collection includes works by William Klein, Lucien Clergue, Douglas Gordon, Anselm Kiefer, Steve McCurry, Dorothea Lange, Robert Mapplethorpe, Joel-Peter Witkin, Shirin Neshat and Ralph Gibson, to name but a few.
This unique event will give visitors the opportunity to explore the wide diversity of modern and contemporary photographic languages; from striking landscapes to intimate portraits, abstract compositions to poignant social testimonies, each artist brings his or her own distinctive perspective and style.
Works by William Klein, a pioneer of photojournalism and street photography, rub shoulders with those of Lucien Clergue, famous for his masterful captures of the Mediterranean. Douglas Gordon's daring compositions dialogue with Anselm Kiefer's heartbreaking landscapes, while Dorothea Lange's snapshots of everyday life resonate with Steve McCurry's humanist sensibility. Robert Mapplethorpe and Joel-Peter Witkin defy aesthetic norms with their explorations of the human form and erotism, contrasting with the visual and political poetry of Shirin Neshat. Finally, Ralph Gibson enchants with his minimalist compositions and subtle interplay of light and shadow.
Alongside these masterpieces will also be a selection of works by French photographer Ann Ray, renowned for her captivating and emotional work in fashion, dance and portrait photography. Her keen eye for detail and ability to capture fleeting moments give her photographs a sense of intimacy and authenticity that resonates with viewers. To experience Ann Ray's photography is to enter a world where beauty and emotion converge. Her images invite contemplation and reflection, offering insights into the human experience that are both haunting and profound. Through her lens, Ann Ray captures the essence of her subjects, revealing the complexity and depth of their personalities with remarkable clarity and sensitivity.