When I heard that 200 of Doisneau’s photographies were on display at the Paris city hall in the ’4eme Arrondissement’, I knew it was a must see! The theme of the exhibition however is rather unusual since it takes us to a “village” that Paris lost a few decades ago.
The borough of ‘Les Halles’ has not always been this giant web of pedestrian streets full of shops and restaurants. Once upon a time, it was a market where butchers, fishmongers, grocers, florists, etc. would sell their goods throughout the 4 seasons of the year. However in 1979, the beautiful metal arcades of ‘le pavillion de Baltard’ were destroyed and its occupants banished.
From 1933 to 1979 - Robert Doisneau photographed this place from every angle. He loved it because he felt it was the place where humanity would meet and blend. ”Nobs and truck drivers, butchers and Dior customers, gardeners,tramps,drunks…”. In this vision, one can feel that ‘Les Halles’ is an inspiration for the photographer. Indeed, one can see the result in his work…Fascinating!
There are a few shots that I found quite striking, especially those framing the people that worked there daily…Robert Doisneau does not need words, his poetry holds within the photograph.
From February 8 – April 28 / Free Entry
29 rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris
Metro: Hotel de Ville
