Exhibition and Screening at the Assemblée Nationale
Pierre Châtel-Innocenti exhibits « Fragments de territoires » at the Assemblée Nationale, invited by Member of Parliament Stéphane Lenormand, alongside the film « Regard de photographe ».
Recently, I had the immense honour of presenting my series « Fragments de territoires » at the Assemblée Nationale, an event made possible by the kind invitation of Member of Parliament Stéphane Lenormand. This exhibition marks a key milestone in the journey of my artistic project, which began on the Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon archipelago and has now taken root in the heart of Paris, symbolising a bridge between worlds, identities and histories that overlap and interweave.
The genesis of « Fragments de territoires » lies in a profound introspection on uprootedness and identity. Born and having lived 17 years in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon before leaving to pursue my studies, I experienced uprootedness not only in geographical terms but also in an intimate quest for belonging and identity. This photographic project explores these universal themes, hoping to resonate with each of you through your own experiences and questions.
In my speech at the opening, I emphasised the importance of these themes and their particular resonance in today’s world. The quest for identity seems ever-present, often tinged with nostalgia for an idealised past or a pure origin. Yet through « Fragments de territoires », I aim to show that our identity is not defined solely by our origins or our past, but by the path we take in the present, by the bridges we build between our various experiences and identities.
The exhibition at the Assemblée Nationale is not merely a recognition of my artistic work; it symbolises the sharing of a moment, of a collective reflection on what it means to be uprooted and how this condition can enrich our understanding of ourselves and the world. As I noted in my speech, this sharing brings the work to life, giving it a life beyond the solitude of its creation. It becomes a dialogue, an encounter between artist and public, between individuals and communities.
This event was also a unique opportunity to present to the public the documentary « Pierre Châtel-Innocenti – Regard de photographe », a 52-minute production made by France Télévisions and Merapi Productions, under the talented direction of Lionel Boisseau. This documentary delves deeply into the heart of my creative process, exploring the nuances of my artistic approach and the reflections underpinning « Fragments de territoires ». Screening the film during the exhibition enriched visitors’ experience, offering an intimate look at the motivations, inspirations and challenges I face as a photographer. It was an opportunity to share with the public not only the works on display, but also the personal and artistic journey that inspired them, creating an even deeper dialogue between the art, the artist and the audience.
I wish to express my gratitude to everyone who made this event possible: the municipalities, the conseil territorial, the préfecture, the Merapi teams, and many others. A very special thank you to Stéphane Lenormand for believing in the value of my work and for facilitating this exceptional platform for exchange and visibility.
« Fragments de territoires » is an invitation to listen to the stories whispered by our scattered roots, to embrace the complex and non-linear journey of our identity. By sharing this project at the Assemblée Nationale, I hope to reach a wider audience, inviting everyone to reflect on their own history, on the bridges they build and the paths they choose to follow. Thank you to everyone who took part in this moment, entering my forest to listen together to the rustling of the trees and the murmur of the territories telling their stories.






