Unlike any other region of France...
What is Provence? That's a question I still can't entirely answer, even though I know it well. I've spent time deeply immersed in local Provençal culture and customs. I have experienced Provence in ways few others have; I am currently volunteering and working with a Provençal cultural association. I have experienced and photographed La Transhumance, and not the tourist version, either. But, despite that, I have a hard time answering the question: "What is Provence?" I can give you the textbook answer and talk about the region and history, but it's so much more than that.
It feels very distinct from France in ways other regions don't, even regions with their own unique cultural identity like Bretagne. I am still in the process of understanding this region of France. This section will house a photographic essay, so to speak, attempting to understand and answer the question: What is Provence?
La Transhumance - june 2024
Transhumance is defined as the action or practice of moving livestock from one grazing ground to another in a seasonal cycle, typically to lowlands in winter and highlands in summer. It is a process that is steeped deeply in local cultures and traditions and juxtaposed over the terrain and topography of a region. Transhumance is a tradition that goes back centuries in the Provence region of France. There are 'chemins' (routes) that have been used by the same families for generations. Over the years, though, this process has changed and evolved; it's modernized. Despite this, it's often the same families from generations ago participating in the transhumance traditions of today. I was lucky enough to photograph a transhumance of sheep in Provence while I was working with Association Abbe Photo, a photographic cultural association in Provence, France based on the work of photographer André Abbe. The entire gallery, with high resolution originals, can be found here.
Soirée + Celebration De Abbe Photo - August 2024
In August 2024, the organization Abbe Photo not only celebrated the 80th birthday of photographer André Abbe, but they also celebrated his body of work, spanning a half-century. It was an event and celebration that brought the community together and honored and paid homage to the medium of photography.
Roquebrune-sur-Argens July 2024
Roquebrune-Sur-Argens is a sleepy and adorable village in the South of France. It's about 30km from Saint Tropez. I've had the pleasure of spending a fair bit of time there and I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for it.
Provence heritage / Abbe photo July 2024
Abbe Photo is a cultural association based on the work of photographer André Abbe. It is focused on Provence culture and heritage and telling stories of Provence through the lens of André Abbe. It is an association I have worked with in the past and continue to work with. I believe strongly in their mission of sharing Provence culture and history through the amazing body of work of André Abbe.
