Already the 26th edition of the festival! Between artistic renewal and collective dynamism, the festival explores new trends in contemporary photography. Interview with Orphée Grisvard-Pontieux, the event’s artistic director.
In Nice, the festival L’IMAGE_SATELLITE has established itself as a must-attend event for amateurs and professionals of photography. Formerly known as Sept Off, the festival underwent a major transformation in 2019 during its 21st edition to become a nationally significant event. This year, the 26th edition promises a rich and diverse program, combining exhibitions, performances, meetings, and events around the photographic book. Driven by an open artistic vision and collective dynamism, L’IMAGE_SATELLITE continues to push the boundaries of contemporary photographic creation, while supporting both emerging and established artists.
Why give the name “IMAGE_SATELLITE” to the festival?
The festival was renamed L’IMAGE_SATELLITE in 2019, after its 20th edition, to distinguish itself from the organizing association. The name evokes space photographs and reflects the vision of a medium connected to other disciplines such as sociology and sciences. The name L’IMAGE_SATELLITE was chosen not only for the evocative power of the term but also as a form of play with the photographic object. The latter is often to be understood in connection with other objects of the world, and not as an autonomous essence. The aim is to avoid a closed vision of photography. This name change accompanied a shift towards a nationally significant festival, geographically refocused in Nice, with a broader and more ambitious programming. This year marks the 26th edition of the festival.
What are the main dates and locations of the festival this year?
The 26th edition of L’IMAGE_SATELLITE will take place from September 21 to October 12, 2024, in Nice, with the Grande Halle du 109 as its epicenter. The opening will be held on September 21 with exhibitions, music, and film screenings. Other events, such as the awarding of the Prix Satellite on September 27 and activities around the photographic book on October 5 and 6, will take place at various venues in Nice.
What are the main goals of the festival?
L’IMAGE_SATELLITE aims to be an observatory of the still image, exploring emerging trends in contemporary photography. The festival highlights documentary, plastic, vernacular, and experimental approaches, covering diverse uses of the image, from print to animation. It seeks to showcase the diversity and the vitality of contemporary photographic creation through works that question and reinvent the photographic medium.
How do you select the artists and works presented?
The selection is based on a continuous watch of contemporary photographic practices and an annual call for projects, allowing for the discovery of new propositions. The festival values multidisciplinary and experimental approaches, without adhering to a specific school or style. Additionally, guest programmers bring their own vision, enriching the diversity and relevance of the programming.
Are there any new features or specific themes for this edition?
This year, a major novelty is the integration of the photographic book into the festival with CARTA #1, an event dedicated to contemporary editorial practices. This program includes meetings, exhibitions, and performances, and will take place on October 5 and 6 at the 109. The goal is to make this event permanent, which could become a recurring element of the festival in the years to come.
As artistic director, what are your main responsibilities for the festival?
The artistic direction of the festival is shared between two people. Besides the programming choices, the directors manage the scenography, exhibition setup, communication, and logistics. With a small team and modest means, they must juggle several tasks. Their main challenge is to continue professionalizing the festival while maintaining its spirit of conviviality and collaboration with volunteers.
What is your artistic vision?
We see photography as a multifaceted art and are very interested in how contemporary photographic practices connect with other arts and disciplines. Also within popular uses, outside the strict field of art. Finally, we are careful not to remain stuck in a too closed or narrow vision of photography. Already, there are two of us, and we regularly agree on the orientations we give to our event. However, we often discuss our artistic choices at length. Nothing is taken for granted, fortunately for the vitality of our event!
How have you contributed to the evolution of the festival over the years?
When we joined the structure with Yowen Albizu-Devier around 2015, we were volunteers. We quickly became involved in artistic choices, scenographies, and the setup of exhibitions by the festival’s previous team. It was really those managing the association for a long time who helped us get started, particularly the historical president of the structure, Robert Matthey. We then had carte blanche to reshape the festival, which was somewhat natural and gradual, as we had been involved for a few years. We renamed the festival and continued our work of reflection and experimentation to renew the form and content of the event, edition after edition.
What are the biggest challenges and successes in your role as artistic director?
The biggest challenge was to transform the Grande Halle du 109 into a viable exhibition space with limited resources. In three years, they designed a modular exhibition system that allows for innovatively occupying 2000 m². This success enabled ambitious scenographies. However, the system now needs to be rethought, particularly to meet sustainable and modular commitments while continuing the festival’s evolution.
What impact does the festival have on the local and international art scene?
Once limited to a local scene, the festival has gained national visibility since its repositioning. It is part of a collective dynamic with other festivals in the South of France. And it contributes to the dissemination of contemporary photography. By financing the production of works and remunerating photographers, the festival supports the artistic economy. However, the sector’s precariousness requires constantly reevaluating economic models.
What do you envision for the future of the festival L’IMAGE_SATELLITE?
The future of the festival relies on the consolidation and professionalization of its actions, as well as on the continuation of its artistic vision. The festival will continue to be part of collective dynamics, particularly through the collective La Bande Passante and l’Automne de l’Image, which bring together various cultural actors around the image. This collective approach, combined with strong partnerships, is therefore at the heart of the festival’s future evolution.
What message would you like to convey to young artists?
To young artists, the advice is not to remain isolated in the face of challenges. Nonetheless, to reach out to other professionals for support and solutions. Working collectively and sharing experiences are essential for progressing in the artistic field. Perseverance, collaboration, and open-mindedness are key to navigating a complex environment while staying true to one’s artistic vision.
