Nice: An Exhibition Dedicated to Bettina Rheims

The Charles Nègre Photography Museum is proud to present, for the first time in Nice, an exhibition dedicated to Bettina Rheims, one of the most influential portrait and fashion photographers on the international scene. The exhibition, open until September 29, 2024, offers an immersive journey into Rheims’ artistic world through a selection of 29 photographs taken between 1994 and 2013 in France and the United States.

These iconic images reflect the evolution of Rheims’ style from the 1990s onwards, a period during which she signed numerous fashion editorials for international magazines and created promotional images for the cinema. Her renowned portraits of figures such as Charlotte Rampling, Catherine Deneuve, Madonna, and Monica Bellucci have solidified her reputation.

A central piece of the exhibition is the series titled “Why Did You Abandon Me?”, featuring emblematic shots like Pourquoi m’as-tu abandonnée?, Gina and Elizabeth kissing, taken in Los Angeles in March 1995. This series, considered a masterpiece, represents a deep reflection on femininity and identity, themes Bettina Rheims has explored with great sensitivity and innovation.

In addition to her commissioned work, the exhibition highlights Bettina Rheims’ personal journey, marked by bold and multifaceted artistic research. Through her photographs, the artist explores fundamental issues of contemporary society, particularly gender and identity, making her one of the most advanced and relevant voices in contemporary photography.

The Charles Nègre Photography Museum Gallery, located in the heart of Vieux Nice at Place Gautier 1, is ready to welcome you to this extraordinary exhibition, offering a new perspective on the work of an artist who has redefined the boundaries of fashion photography and portraiture.