Yves Jeanmougin: A Photographer’s Journey
Yves Jeanmougin, born in Casablanca in 1944, has carved a niche for himself as a distinguished photographer. He initially worked with the Viva Agency until 1982, after which he continued his exploration and discoveries in collaboration with Métamorphoses Editions. Jeanmougin has lived in the Panier district, close to the stunning Cathedral of La Major, for many years. His artistic journey includes a notable workshop located in the Friche de la Belle de Mai, a venue that has greatly influenced his work, thanks to an invitation from his childhood friend, Philippe Foulquié.
Between 2021 and 2023, Jeanmougin spent significant time at the Palais Farnèse, which houses the French Embassy and the French School in Rome. His upcoming book will portray a restoration project and daily life within libraries, further showcasing his commitment to documenting cultural heritage. Among his previous works are titles such as _Déliés: An Algerian Heritage_, and _Carcérales_, which presents stark images of prison life, published by Parenthèses. His 2013 collaboration with Bec en l’air on _Memory of the Camp des Milles_ is also noteworthy, as it pays homage to the poet Jean Senac. Jeanmougin's renowned images of Marseille, particularly those capturing the Vieux-Port and L'Estaque, stem from an exhibition at the Museum of History coordinated by Myriam Morel and Anne-Marie Lapillonne in February 1992, with a catalogue published by Parenthèses.
Exhibitions at Mucem and Gare Saint-Charles
Currently, six of Jeanmougin's black and white photographs are featured in the Mucem exhibition titled _Les Mères_. This collection includes poignant pieces such as _A Mother and Her Daughters_ from 1981, and emotive representations from a demonstration following the tragic death of Lahouari Ben Mohamed, a 17-year-old killed by police on October 18, 1980, at Cité des Flamants. One particularly striking image captures a young grandmother dancing with her granddaughter in a makeshift community of L’Estaque, illustrating the vibrancy of life amidst adversity. Notably, this photograph is a reversed reproduction, featured on page 142 of the exhibition catalogue.
A significant portion of Jeanmougin's work has recently been digitized following his donation to the Médiathèque du Patrimoine et de la Photographie in the Paris region. Additionally, the MPP is currently hosting a large-scale exhibition at Gare Saint-Charles, spotlighting Marseille's photographers, including Alphonse Terris, the Seeberger brothers, Marcel Bovis, and Serge Assier. Visitors to the train station can also discover a unique double exposure photograph taken by Jeanmougin in 1986, showcasing a moment captured in the gymnasium’s large mirror, which was situated on the rooftop of Le Corbusier's building.
As reported by lamarseillaise.fr.
