Éric Bouvet – Elevations: Photography Exhibition

Opening on November 13, 2024, at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elevations by Éric Bouvet is an exhibition of large-format photographs that capture the majestic landscapes of the Alps. While the mountains stand as timeless symbols of natural beauty, Bouvet’s images also serve as a subtle commentary on their vulnerability in the face of climate change and environmental degradation.

Using 19th-century photography techniques, Bouvet slows down the photographic process, allowing the viewer to engage deeply with the subject matter. His images invite reflection on the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world, portraying landscapes that are at once enduring and fragile. The exhibition not only showcases the grandeur of the Alps but also subtly points to the growing environmental challenges these regions face, including glacial melting and the impact of rising temperatures.

Bouvet’s work prompts consideration of our relationship with the environment, highlighting the need for greater awareness and action in the face of global climate change. His photographs stand as both a celebration of nature’s beauty and a call to preserve it, inviting viewers to reflect on the pressing environmental issues of our time.

This exhibition is part of a broader initiative by The VII Foundation and the Institut-Français in BiH, in collaboration with the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, supported by IOM as well as UNESCO through the “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” (CC4WBs) project funded by the European Union, to encourage dialogue on environmental sustainability and the role of visual storytelling in addressing such critical issues.

As part of the exhibition program, Éric Bouvet will lead a photography workshop from November 9th to 12th, 2024, focusing on large-format photography, sustainability, and ethical storytelling. The workshop, held in Sarajevo and Lukomir, offers participants the opportunity to learn directly from Bouvet through a mix of theoretical sessions and hands-on fieldwork.