« I don’t live in Paris, I live in Paris 14th », said Agnès Varda. Arriving in the capital in 1951, the young prodigy settled at 86, rue Daguerre, between Place Denfert-Rochereau and Gare Montparnasse, and quickly transformed her home into a playground. Serving as a courtyard-studio, studio, privileged space for creation and exhibition, she continually placed it at the heart of her work, whether photographic or cinematic, until her passing in 2019. The new exhibition at the Carnavalet Museum focuses on the deep connection of her work with her environment, highlighting her expressive freedom and revealing Agnès Varda the photographer, often overshadowed by her role as a director.
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The 14th: A Photographer’s Experimentation
Agnès Varda doesn't instantly fall in love with Paris, no. In fact, she finds the city a bit sad, almost gloomy: it’s through her imposing chamber ```
A photographic revelation captures her heart, and she remains faithful to it throughout her life. Maybe it's also because she manages to create a cocoon of inspiration on Rue Daguerre, her forever home, where she takes her first shots.
It is right in the heart of her habitat that Le Paris d’Agnès Varda, de-ci, de-là opens up, featuring a series of black and white images of various kinds. There are portraits, nudes, and still lifes, with the artist often selecting her close circle – friends, neighbors, and her partner, Valentine Schlegel – or a few strangers as models. Even then, Agnès Varda gives the impression of always being in the right place at the right time, possessing a natural talent for capturing the subtlety of an expression, a gaze, or a pose. From her few self-portraits, in which she showcases her iconic bob cut and her petite height (1 meter 52), one notes a quiet confidence.
Of course, she quickly displays her photographs in her studio and shoots some connecting shots for her first films. The machine is in motion.See this post on Instagram
From Amateur to Professional, from Workshop to Theatre
Young Agnès Varda was only 23 years old when she partnered with the National Popular Theatre and the Avignon Festival. In the 1950s, she became one of the
The most renowned theatre photographers in the capital. Their style is quirky, unique, and has a touch of darkness that is very appealing. The Paris municipal museum has managed to gather some of their most famous portraits, always featuring Paris as the backdrop but with some mind-boggling settings; our favorite might be the one of filmmaker Federico Fellini amidst the remnants of the ancient fortifications of the city. Varda is bold and uses these elements to elevate the strange. Among the familiar faces in her circle are her new partner, director Jacques Demy (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg), along with personalities from the world of theatre, and of course, cinema.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Filming the Other Side of Paris and Its Marginals
This thematic exhibition focuses on the photographic work of Agnès Varda, while also happily bridging with cinema, a skill she would practice throughout her life. The filmmaker's perspective on Paris is highlighted in a journey showcasing her short and feature films, partially or entirely shot in Paris, starting with L’opéra Mouffe (1958) followed by the cult classic Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962), and also One Sings, The Other Doesn't (1977). The city is filmed to resonate with the feelings experienced by the young woman, sensitive to feminist and social issues, eager to present not the picturesque Paris but the flip side of its postcard decor and its marginals•the forgotten, including gleaners. on the markets.
Both manual and intellectual, Agnès Varda has gradually transformed into a complete and accomplished contemporary artist, free to explore art in all its forms, enjoying success here and there. This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate her once again.
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The Paris of Agnès Varda, here and there
23, rue de Sévigné – 3rd
Until August 24, 2025
Price: €15, reduced €13
From Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM
More info and reservations