Hans Silvester - Photos Petanque and Provence
Two distinct periods in the work of Hans Silvester. First of all the 60’s, when Hans comes and comes back to Provence. From the Camargue, where he is first attracted by the horses, he radiates in the Alpilles and the Luberon. He will find his home there, a haven of peace from which he will leave for all his travels to the four corners of the world. He will travel through the markets, and meet the people who lived there to show us these authentic moments that have passed. In this series of photos presented at La Maison Sur La Sorgue, series from the 1970s, Hans shares his sense of observing one of the traditions of Provence, namely the pétanque. We discover real characters, aesthetic ballets, picturesque moments. Don’t think it’s easier to photograph a game of balls than an Alaskan elk, Hans had to show all his humility and respect to get from the players the opportunity to photograph them without disturbing their concentration... with a fantastic result, an immortalized experience of this game so Provencal, The resounding success of his last exhibition "droit au but" at the Arles meetings in 2024.
