Some time ago, I was intrigued by the recollections of an elderly Aix resident who told me about the fifties, when she would drive up the cours Mirabeau and simply park outside whichever café she was visiting. Aix was so different then with quiet streets, modest shops and politely dressed people. So I was looking forward to seeing the photos of American photographer Harry Callahan who had a grant to live and work here 1957-1958. I wanted an insight into what the town looked like, hoping to recognise locations, enjoy the clothes, the vintage cars, the 50s ads on the walls.
But this was not that show. Harry Callahan went out early each morning to photograph the town, or the countryside around his rented home on the Route Cézanne. Afternoons were spent at his improvised lab at this home, developing his pictures and also working on them. He produced clichés of nature that were almost abstract, nude photos of his wife superimposed on hillsides, and views of Aix which were often plunged in deep shadow. Sometimes figures would step into the light, or his focus would be on patterns of shutters, power cables, branches. He also experimented with collages.
Photography as a art form, rather than visual diary.
‘HARRY CALLAHAN : FRENCH ARCHIVES, AIX-EN-PROVENCE, 1957-1958’ is at the Musée Granet until 21st July. There is an overlap with ‘Traverser la Lumiere‘ in the main gallery until 31st March.
Tues-Sat, 12-18:00hrs.
aixcentric 
History of Aix in photos actually exists under the name Henry Ely. The father of Bruno Ely Conservateur at Granet. Beautiful images of life in Aix dating back 130years. Henry Ely took pictures in the 1980’s of events in the AAGP then they were published in the Aix Provençal newspaper. I think Bruno Ely’s son Éric continues his grandfater’s tradition. In passage Agard there is still his shop.
Thanks very much for reminding me about this photographer. I have his book and am wondering if it is still available to buy in town? I’ll definitely write a post on this one, Thanks Liz!