Arles 2026: Encounters (Des Filles & Un Mec)

You can look at thousands of prints and read dozens of art books, but at its core, the art world is built on human chemistry, particularly in photography, as humanity infuses every image and story.

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The name Les Rencontres ("Encounters") is no coincidence. Arles is where paths cross: where you meet photographers and image enthusiasts while queuing for an exhibition, where ideas spark over an iced coffee, and where networks are born in the shade of a terrace.

My week was defined by two incredible forces.

First, "Les Filles." The women. Spending time with the energy of "Les Filles de la Photo" and the UPP (Union des Photographes Professionnels) was a shot of pure adrenaline and immediate recognition. There is a fierce, brilliant, and collaborative energy running through these professional women in photography. They are shaping the future of the industry with zero pretense and absolute drive. It was inspiring, welcoming, and deeply empowering as I prepare to launch my own space with an assumed female touch. 

And then, "Un vrai mec", as we say in French, a real guy. Or rather, a true « mensch ». I had the pleasure of connecting in person with Joël, the writer behind the excellent Substack "La Chambre Noire."

First time I met a fellow Substacker in the flesh, and our conversation went far beyond shop talk, as if we had known each other for ages. We talked about « the experience », mostly his to be honest, as I am still a newbie navigating the complexity and codes of the industry beyond my initial spark of simply loving the art.

What does it mean to truly look at an image today? How do we understand and support photographers? What are the new challenges of the industry, and how do we balance market imperatives with artistic integrity? How do we share that experience with an audience without falling into the academic traps of the art market?

It was one of those rare, grounded conversations that remind you why you chose this path, while keeping you humble about the steep learning curve ahead.

Then, the exhibitions of Arles will eventually pack up and travel elsewhere, but the energy of these encounters remains. They are the foundation of the community I want to build around Galerie Bokeh in Tarascon.

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In fact, the future is already happening. 

I will be joining Les Filles with another meeting to be set for September. I promised Joel I will stop by his place in the coming months, and I mean it. 

While visiting galleries in Arles, I met several photographers and truly liked their work. Some have already shared their portfolio or new projects in development. Seeing such exciting stuff makes me increasingly impatient  to finally hang photos on my walls. That said, designing a program that is both meaningful and consistent will be get tricky, but incredibly thrilling. 

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A fellow gallerist stopped by Tarascon on her drive back home and I proudly showed her the place and explained my vision. Having a professional eye on the premises was invaluable. It gave me the validation and momentum I need to keep moving forward with high energy and passion. 

To the brilliant women who pushed my energy levels to the sky, to Joël for the shared vision, and to all others I met in Arles: thank you. The adventure is just beginning.