THE VIRUS, THROUGH THE EYES OF PHOTOGRAPHERS | LCP | DébatDoc

Five photographers bear witness with their series of photos taken during the pandemic. Beyond their work, this film explores the differing and complementary perspectives of the photographers on the same global event, demonstrating that the art of the photographer is both an individual look upon the world and a way of interacting with it. The empty streets of Paris can be soothing or distressing, according to the view and the photographic techniques used. Eric Bouvet worked with a large format camera and his prints give the impression that the virus is hovering all over the city. Antoine d’Agata, from the Magnum agency, however, decided to work for two and half months with a thermal camera to capture the heat of bodies with their load of mystery, tensions, fear and universality. Each of these photographers is accustomed to working in war zones and in especially difficult situations. And yet this year of Covid appears to have tested them all profoundly. Franco-American photographer, Peter Turnley, admits to having been terrified all year from fear of catching the virus. Laurence Geai is still haunted by the photos she was unable to take because of lack of access. Corentin Fohlen is still working relentless on the homeless, a year after the outbreak of the pandemic. The poignant testimonies of these five photographers shot in the empty cafés of the capital in the midst of the pandemic invite most particularly a reflexion on the importance of vulnerability in this profession. As Antoine d’Agata admits, “You often think you have to be strong, but in my experience it’s the opposite. I try hard to remain fragile and at the mercy of those I’m photographing.”.