With its exhibitions, evening projections in the ancient theatre and events throughout the town, the annually held ‘Les Rencontres de la Photographie’ photography festival in Arles, France, is one of the most popular gathering places of the international photography scene. From 6 July to 20 September 2015, this summer will again see international photographers, journalists, gallery owners and publishers gathering in the city in the south of France to exchange views and opinions on contemporary art photography. As in previous years, Leica Camera AG will be attending the festival during the opening week – from 6 to 11 July 2015 – with a stand on Espace Van Gogh and a varied programme of events.
The particular highlight will be the presentation of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2015 in the Théâtre Antique on 8 July 2015. The event begins at 10 p.m. with the projection of the best entries from the competition for professional photographers and newcomers, and will be followed by the presentation of the awards to this year’s winners. First place in the main category, honoured with a cash prize of 25,000 euros and a Leica M camera and lens, goes to JH Engström for his series titled Tout Va Bien. The Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award, first presented in 2009, has been won by Wiktoria Wojciechowska for her set Short Flashes. She receives a prize of 5,000 euros and a Leica M camera and lens. A special issue of LFI Magazine featuring all the winners and finalists and numerous examples of their work is now on sale.
JH Engström, the winner of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award, will first be answering questions during a live Twitter chat session between 3 and 4 p.m. on 9 July 2015. After this, the photographer will be signing his latest book, Tout Va Bien, at the Leica Stand on Espace Van Gogh from 5 to 7 p.m. Tout Va Bien features around 90 widely varying photographs in black and white and colour that range from portraits and landscapes to surprising snapshots. The book will be introduced by Aperture during the festival.
Leica invites visitors to another signing session on 10 July 2015. Leica will be welcoming the photographer François Fontaine to the stand. From 5 to 7 p.m. he will be signing copies of Rêve d’Orient, his book of colour photographs from his journey through Asia (published by Filigranes Éditions).
Visitors to the Leica stand in the opening week will also have an opportunity to find expert advice and comprehensive information on the current Leica product portfolio.