“Portrait of the French Nouvelle Vague by Raymond Cochetier” Exhibition Report

Contrary to the popularity of his work, there may not be many people who hear Raymond Cochetier and realize that he is a ``Nouvelle Vague still photographer.'' However, the strength of these photographs, as evidenced by the oft-quoted words of Marc Vernet, is that they inspire our images throughout the ages.

Currently, during Yokohama France Month 2014, a solo exhibition by Raymond Cochetier, the legendary still photographer who captured the Nouvelle Vague in his photographs, is being held. The venue was Nitehi Works in Wakaba Town. Many of the photographs on display were newly developed by the 94-year-old artist for this exhibition in a laboratory in France (!)

The opening party was held the other day on June 15th (Sunday).

It was an open and cozy party where people who were just passing by could feel free to join in, and it was great to see so many people with children. Don't miss the synergy between the atmosphere of Nitehi Works, an alternative space in a renovated former credit union, and the works.

The venue is located on the first to third floors, with the first floor serving as a cafe space, the second floor with a loft-like structure, and the third floor. ``Soft Skin'', ``Lovers in the Night Mist'', ``Antoine and Colette'' (F. Truffaut) , ``Do What You Want'', ``A Woman is a Woman'' (J-L. Godard) , ``Adieu Filipino'' (J. A number of photographs were on display from ``The Malevolent Eye'' (C. Chabrol), and ``Laura'' ( J. Demy) .

At the venue, a woman from the neighborhood said to me, ``Hey, young lady, is this Bebe?'' When I looked at my fingertips, I saw Anouk Emeh, so I replied, ``No, this is not Bardot.'' Then he asked me, ``Do you know Jean-Paul Belmont?'' His eyes sparkled and he spoke to me a little more, so we chatted a little. The woman had probably seen them in real time, and seemed to be enjoying herself, as if recalling scenes from her youth from a single photo.

The business of recording images and preserving them for posterity began with the Lumiere brothers, and with the term "camera fountain pen" as a turning point, it has evolved from an invention to an art form. The Nouvelle Vague is perhaps the most emblematic movement in this process. What's most interesting is how inventions distort the timeline and create empathy across generations. And the magic of the moment, contained in photographs that could be called fragments of video, is alive in Raymond Cochetier's photographs.

Now, after seeing that exhibit, I definitely want to see a movie. But the sad truth is that even if you rush to your local DVD rental shop, they often don't have any Nouvelle Vague works in stock. But here's the good news!

A related screening will be held from June 21st (Sat) to June 27th (Friday) at ``Cinema Jack & Betty,'' also in Wakaba-cho, just a stone's throw from the venue.

Two films will be screened: ``Adu Filipino'' (J. Rozier) and ``A Woman Is a Woman'' (J.L. Godard) . Please also take a look.

The exhibition “Portrait of the French Nouvelle Vague by Raymond Cochetier” will be on view until June 29th (Sunday). Don't miss this valuable opportunity! (Free admission, one drink order required)