The current first edition 2021/2022 addresses the traces of architecture that emerged during the reconstruction of the border region after the Second World War. The German-French history is reflected here in the space and architecture. The artistic approach to the topic aims to provide a new, unique perspective on this special cultural heritage.
The commission for the first edition of “La ligne claire – the clear line” was awarded to photographer Guillaume Greff (www.guillaumegreff.com). A binational jury consisting of independent experts and representatives of the cooperation partners chose Guillaume Greff due to the quality of his artistic work and his affinity for the current theme. The artist from Sarreguemines, who is himself part of the history of the border region, explores this artistically through analog images. He connects current photos of architecture with family photos from the post-reconstruction period.
State Secretary Jan Benedyczuk explains the exhibition opening: „The exhibition ‚La ligne claire - the clear line‘ is another element of cross-border cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Moselle Department, and the Nouvel Observatoire Photographique du Grand Est. With this project, we will further intensify cultural cooperation with the Moselle Department. This demonstrates the intertwining of three identity-forming elements so important for the border region - the mining industry, the special Franco-German relations, and the European idea. Each of these elements is part of our shared cultural heritage,“ emphasizes State Secretary Jan Benedyczuk.
French Consul General Sébastien Girard explains: "This new cooperation for contemporary photography highlights the cultural heritage of the Moselle department and Saarland, which reflects the shared history and identity of these two regions. The similarity of the landscapes is striking, but beyond the architecture, the photos primarily show a human adventure that has led to Franco-German rapprochement. Meeting today in the park of the Pingusson building, a Franco-German construction, is symbolic. 70 years later, we have come together here to celebrate Franco-German friendship."
The cooperation partners each contributed 15,000 euros to finance the project. The exhibition is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm between June 25 and July 31, 2022. A bilingual catalog documents the exhibition.
