From June 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the Soulages Museum in Rodez will host a significant exhibition dedicated to the life and work of the celebrated French filmmaker Agnès Varda. This exhibition aims to delve into the deep friendship between Varda and the renowned painter Pierre Soulages, showcasing their artistic connection and mutual respect.
The exhibition, co-produced with Rosalie Varda, Agnès Varda's daughter, will feature an array of photographs taken by Varda, including many that highlight her work during the filming of her early projects. According to the museum, "We want to highlight Agnès Varda in her great curiosity: freely associating her photographic collection around the filming of La Pointe Courte (compositions on the world of the port, fishermen, and the Mediterranean) with the constructions of huts and numerous evocations of the sea and beaches in her work as a visual artist."
Varda's artistic journey is a fascinating study of how a filmmaker can also be an accomplished photographer. The exhibition will explore her early years, particularly her time in the XIVe arrondissement of Paris, where she lived and worked. It was here that she developed her unique style, combining the manual and the intellectual, as she captured the essence of her surroundings through her lens.
Agnès Varda, who was born in Brussels, began her career as a photographer in the 1950s. She was known for her vibrant portraits of artists and everyday people. One notable anecdote from her life involves her interactions with the famous Hungarian photographer Brassaï, who became one of her early subjects. In 1954, at just 23 years old, Varda was seen filming Brassaï in her studio, capturing the playful essence of their collaboration.
Another highlight of Varda's photographic career includes her captivating portrait of Italian director Federico Fellini, which she took in 1956 against the backdrop of the ruins of the fortifications at the porte de Vanves. This photograph exemplifies her ability to blend art with storytelling, creating images that resonate with viewers long after they've seen them.
Varda's work often reflects her deep engagement with the world around her. She had a knack for finding beauty in the mundane, which she articulated in her own words: "It is natural for me to go here and there, to say something and then its opposite, and to feel less trapped because I do not choose a single version of things." This philosophy guided her throughout her career, influencing both her photography and her films.
The exhibition at the Soulages Museum is not the only opportunity to appreciate Varda's work. Concurrently, the Musée Carnavalet in Paris is hosting its own exhibition titled "Le Paris d’Agnès Varda, de-ci, de-là" from April 9 to August 24, 2025. This exhibition focuses on Varda's photographic documentation of Paris, particularly her beloved XIVe arrondissement, where she lived for many years.
At the Musée Carnavalet, visitors can explore thousands of photographs, many of which are previously unpublished. This collection captures the essence of Varda's life in Paris, showcasing her interactions with neighbors, artists, and strangers alike. The courtyard of her home, where she lived from 1951, served as a vibrant backdrop for many of her photographs, as well as a creative space where she welcomed journalists and collaborators.
Varda’s artistic legacy is celebrated through her unique perspective on life and her ability to blend the personal with the universal. Her work resonates with audiences because it tells stories that are both intimate and expansive. The exhibition at the Musée Carnavalet features over 1,300 photographs, many of which reveal her evolution as a photographer and storyteller.
The impact of Varda's work extends beyond her films and photographs; she has inspired countless artists and filmmakers with her innovative approach to storytelling. As she once said, "The world was like a vast museum; beauty was there, it was enough to find it, to see it behind the banal." This sentiment encapsulates her artistic philosophy and her commitment to capturing the beauty of everyday life.
As the Soulages Museum and the Musée Carnavalet prepare to honor Varda's legacy, they invite audiences to engage with her work in new and meaningful ways. Both exhibitions promise to be a celebration of her artistic journey, showcasing the depth and breadth of her contributions to the world of cinema and photography.
Visitors to the exhibitions can expect not only to see Varda's iconic images but also to gain insights into her creative process and the relationships that shaped her work. The Soulages Museum emphasizes the importance of the friendship between Pierre Soulages and Agnès Varda, highlighting how their mutual admiration fueled their artistic endeavors.
In addition to the vast array of photographs, the exhibitions will also include film screenings and discussions that delve deeper into Varda's influence on contemporary cinema. Her ability to weave personal narratives into broader social commentaries has made her a pivotal figure in the film industry, and her work continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers.
As the world remembers Agnès Varda, her legacy remains vibrant and relevant. The exhibitions at the Soulages Museum and the Musée Carnavalet serve as a reminder of her profound impact on the arts and her unwavering curiosity about the world. Visitors are encouraged to explore these exhibitions, celebrating the life and work of a true pioneer in both photography and film.
In conclusion, the upcoming exhibitions dedicated to Agnès Varda offer a unique opportunity to appreciate the multifaceted nature of her artistic contributions. From her early days as a photographer in Paris to her later achievements as a filmmaker, Varda's work continues to resonate with audiences around the globe. As we reflect on her legacy, it becomes clear that her vision and creativity will forever inspire those who seek to find beauty in the everyday.
