The rise of artificial intelligence is disrupting digital photography. In fact, it is changing the way we consume photography, and the seeds of mistrust are being sown with each passing day. In such a scenario, it becomes increasingly challenging to find meaningful ways to change the discourse around the medium, one that is positive and inspiring. The 99 Cameras Museum, which houses the 20th century’s most iconic cameras, was discovered to make us fall in love with the medium again, and that is with a new film photography exhibition, The Analog Chronicles. Here’s a look at how the new series will change your perspective.
The lead image is by Théo Giacometti, courtesy of 99 Cameras Museum. All pictures are used with permission.
Five Photographers, One Theme
The film photography exhibition will feature the works of Mathias Depardon, Ismail Ferdous, Théo Giacometti, Gaia Squarci, and Alessandro Silvestri, who have captured the summer season. The photographers had an analog camera with them while they went on vacation. The pictures depict the beauty and allure of the Southern European countryside and activities such as games, walks, intimacy, and familial moments. In a way, each photographer captures the simplicity of daily life that makes summers such a sought-after holiday period. The film photography exhibition also hopes to foster the significance of documenting one’s existence artistically, alongside the reportage of topical themes and subjects, as well as long-term projects about the issues in our world.
By Mathias Depardon
99 Cameras Museum is a pocket-sized museum that pays homage to founder Federico Benincasa’s father, Gianpaolo. Established in 2023, the museum is an ode to a man who was a relentless collector of mythical cameras for over fifty years (over 2,000 pieces).
Meet The Artist
- An award-winning photographer, Mathias Depardon focuses on documentaries, whose work will focus on social, economic, and political questions, challenging the idea of borders and identity.
- Bangladeshi photographer and filmmaker Ismail Ferdous won the 2023 Leica Award. His work, too, is reportage in nature, documenting social and humanitarian issues in our world.
- Gaia Squarci is a photographer and filmmaker, who is a professor at ICP. She teaches digital storytelling, which is also the main highlight of her personal body of work.
- An independent photojournalist, Théo Giacometti has been part of Studio Hans Lucas since 2018. His photographs comment on social and environmental issues for the press and NGOs.
- Alessandro Silvestri, originally from Rome, is an official photographer for Studio Harcourt. His work explores anthropology, visual communication, and artistic research.
Italy, summer 2024. Photographs by Gaia Squarci
Five Legendary Cameras
For the film photography exhibition, the photographers used cameras created between 1935 and 1964. Here’s what they are:
- Nikon F (1959): It’s a legend among photojournalists.
- Canon 7 (1960s): It’s known for its unique lens nicknamed “the dream lens.”
- Widelux F6: A panoramic camera that became an icon due to its unique aesthetic.
- Kodak Retina 117 (1930s): This camera revolutionized 35mm film.
- Contax 1 (1932): It became an icon due to its design of top-of-the-range rangefinders.
Italy, summer 2024. Left image by Alessandro Silvestri. Right picture by Ismail Ferdous.
Considering the cameras are almost a century old, seeing them revived in the digital era is quite an excellent opportunity. The colors are vivid, and the grain makes you travel back in time. The way the new photographers use the device also adds a meaningful layer to the project. It’s like seeing the past and present come together to make for a better future.
The film photography exhibit will be displayed until February 15, 2025 at Studio Harcourt, Paris. In addition to the exhibit, a series of NFTs will be available for those who want to experience the display differently. The Analog Chronicles, which hopes to start a discourse on the history of film photography, was created in collaboration with Blind Magazine, Studio Harcourt, Ilford Photo, Nation Photo, and Pelloche Moi.
For more information, visit 99 Camera Museum’s website.
