It is impossible not to be touched by the work of Karine Chavas, one of the female photographers exhibiting at the 2026 edition of the International Photography Exhibition in Riedisheim at the Aronde until April 19. Based in Aix-en-Provence, Karine Chavas is known and recognized for her work exploring nudity, femininity, and identity. She presents part of her series “Nudum corpus,” a neo-pictorialist work.
A little further on, Russian Ludmila Shumilova also exhibits her work, images fixed on boards. The contemporary artist photographer appreciates dreamlike images, like her series “Ghost orchids” and “Floating petals.” The list of women exhibiting in Riedisheim does not stop there; you can discover black and white photographs by Karin Werren and those of Esther Berger, Christine Bühlmann, and Alexandra Schmid.
Context:
The International Photography Exhibition in Riedisheim showcases the work of female photographers and has become a significant event in the Grand Est region.
Fact check:
The exhibition features a diverse range of photographic styles and themes, including exploration of femininity and dreamlike imagery.
Established in 1987 by the Riedisheim Photo Club and the Peugeot-Citroën Mulhouse Cultural and Sports Association, the International Photography Exhibition in Riedisheim has emerged as a major event in the Grand Est region, focused on showcasing works from its international competition and invited photographers.
As Francis Schroeder, co-president of the Riedisheim Photo Club, points out, the increasing number of women entering photography is a reflection of societal changes and the evolution of artistic professions and technical fields traditionally dominated by men. Photography, initially considered a technical and outdoor profession primarily pursued by men in the 19th and early 20th centuries, has become more accessible to a wider audience with advancements in technology and changing societal attitudes.
Fact check:
The increasing accessibility of photography, coupled with shifts in societal norms, has enabled more women to pursue photography and make significant contributions to the art form.
While the rise of artificial intelligence is viewed as a potential threat to photographers by transforming aspects of photography, such as illustration and automatic retouching, the enduring appeal and creative opportunities within photography suggest a promising future for the medium. A visit to the Aronde exhibition venue would undoubtedly reaffirm the enduring allure of photography.
