François Halard, Casa Malaparte, Capri, Italie, 1998. Pigment ink print on fine art rag paper.

Villepin is pleased to present a curated showcase on works by photographer François Halard, as the second chapter of our current exhibition, Whispers of the Soul. For the occasion, we are thrilled to announce that François Halard will be visiting Hong Kong. Through his lens, Halard skillfully unveils the poetry hidden within the most intimate corners of a space, presenting a nuanced narrative that resonates with the exhibition's overarching theme of introspection and representation.

Alongside works by Lawrence Carroll, Giorgio Morandi, Giorgio de Chirico, and Cy Twombly, Halard's photographic series becomes a compelling dialogue in our space with the theme of a home — a space that extends beyond mere physicality to encapsulate the emotions, memories, and personal narratives woven into the fabric of our lives. Halard transforms spaces into living canvases that breathe with the stories of those who inhabit them, offering a poignant meditation on the significance of the places we call home. Each photograph becomes a visual poem, capturing the essence of the homes he explores and inviting viewers to reflect on their own connections to the spaces they inhabit.

The curated showcase includes Halard’s captivating photographs of Cy Twombly's home in Gaeta, Giorgio Morandi’s studio in Bologna, as well as photographs of Casa Malaparte, an iconic Mediterranean villa casting shadows into the shores of Capri. In the different series, Halard captures an intimate view of the spaces inhabited by artistic visionaries, evoking a sense of presence and belonging. François Halard, a luminary in the realm of contemporary photography, brings a distinctive perspective to our exhibition with his exploration of interiors. Renowned for his unparalleled ability to capture the essence of interior spaces, he invites viewers to embark on a visual journey that transcends the physical confines of walls and roofs.

Born in Paris, France, in 1961, François Halard's affinity for photography emerged at a young age. He inherited his passion from his parents, Yves and Michelle Halard, both esteemed interior designers, and soon established himself as a prominent figure in the world of interior and architectural photography. Halard's illustrious career has seen collaborations with publications such as Vogue. His keen eye for detail and ability to infuse each frame with a profound sense of atmosphere have made him a sought-after photographer by leading designers, architects, and artists.

The showcase featuring François Halard's photography works is open to the public as an integral part of Whispers of the Soul at Villepin, from January 19, 2024 to February 4, 2024.


Installation

Photos by François Halard