Catherine Lebrun
Serge Picard: An Exploration of Time and Memory in Photography
Serge Picard is a distinguished photographer whose work has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions internationally. His photographs are part of both public and private collections, including prestigious institutions such as the Bibliothèque Nationale, the Cabinet des Estampes et de la Photographie in Paris, La Coupole at the Scène Nationale de Melun-Sénart, and La Passerelle at the Scène Nationale de Gap.
He is an enigmatic figure in contemporary photography, known for his eclectic approach that encompasses color portraits, large-format landscapes, black-and-white nudes, and dynamic images captured on Polaroid. His work showcases a captivating array of techniques, including Fresson charcoal prints, which add a sensory dimension to his already rich visual narratives.
At the core of Picard’s photography lies a profound exploration of time, particularly the unique temporal experiences that the medium can evoke. His images defy simple categorization; they exist in a realm that blurs the lines between past and present. In his series “Aux bords du monde,” landscapes invite contemplation, enchanting viewers with their ethereal quality. These works might echo the pioneering techniques of Gustave Le Gray, yet they remain firmly anchored in the contemporary, encouraging a reflection on the nature of perception and existence.
Picard’s portraits, especially those from the series “Sponte Sua,” challenge conventions of the genre. Stripped of context and clarity, these images emphasize the presence and physicality of the subjects, moving beyond mere representation to create a dialogue between the viewer and the subject. They resist nostalgia, instead engaging with the viewer’s memory, balancing between the essence of happiness and the shadow of potential despair.
A laureate of the Polaroid International Photography Award and recognized for his contributions to fine art photography, Picard continually interrogates the limits of realism. His creative process involves crafting the environment of his subjects, shaping their surroundings to enable a deeper connection to the photographic image. The interplay between form and substance is critical in his work, as he uses the medium to explore themes of temporality and the fragility of existence.
For collectors and enthusiasts, Serge Picard’s work is not just a visual experience; it is an invitation to engage with complex themes of time, memory, and the essence of being. His images, rich in detail and texture, provoke thought and evoke emotions, ensuring that they linger in the mind long after viewing.
Through his captivating lens, Serge Picard reminds us of the powerful capacity of photography to transcend time, creating a bridge between our experiences and the ever-evolving narrative of art.
In addition to his exhibitions, Serge Picard has published several notable books, including his latest work, Behind the Soft Grey Light of Day (Black+White Photography, London, 2016). As a regular contributor to both national and international press outlets such as Libération, Le Monde, Télérama, L’Express, Time, Géo, Der Spiegel, Air France Magazine, Figaro Magazine, and Philosophie Magazine, he specializes in portrait photography, meticulously focusing on the interplay of light and the dialogue between his subjects and the backgrounds they inhabit.
Serge presented in Paris in 2021 “Prises de Têtes,” a selection of his commissioned portraits created within the realms of music, the arts, cinema, performance, and literature.
By assisting to our events, you understand that photos will be taken and that some might be published on some media.
