A unique photography exhibition featuring seven years of intimate portraits between a grandfather and his granddaughter is currently on display at the Breton Spaniel House in Callac, Côtes-d'Armor, France. The exhibition, titled "Elle" (She), showcases the work of Pierre Colletti, who photographed his granddaughter Maïmouna from 2015 to 2022, capturing her transformation from age 15 to 22.
Pierre Colletti's journey to photography began later in life, following a distinguished career in music. Born in Tunis in 1950, he moved to Troyes at the age of five. "At 14, I discovered the guitar. More than a passion, music became an obsession," Colletti explained. "At 26, I entered the Conservatory to become a classical guitar teacher." Over the years, Pierre expanded his musical repertoire, becoming a bassist and double bassist in various groups spanning Argentine tango, rock, jazz, and string ensembles, exploring every musical facet of his instruments.
When retirement arrived in 2012, Pierre discovered a new artistic field without abandoning music: photography. "This passion was born from a month-long bicycle trip during which I took many photos. When I returned, my friends found them beautiful, so I decided to dive headfirst into this new artistic adventure, as I do with everything I undertake," he recalled. Initially, Pierre chose to capture a domain he knew well – music and its performers. "I took many photos of concerts and shows before diversifying my interests. Today, my vision has broadened considerably: street photography, studio portraits, sports, architecture."
Four years ago, Pierre left his urban life in Champagne to live in a green oasis in the countryside of Carnoët. His talent has not gone unnoticed by art galleries in Champagne, Paris, and Brittany, where he is regularly invited to exhibit his works. The current exhibition at the Breton Spaniel House represents one of his most personal projects to date.
"For this exhibition, baptized 'Elle,' I chose a very personal theme, revealing a series of portraits of Maïmouna, my granddaughter, created in the studio between 2015 and 2022, when she was between 15 and 22 years old," the artist explained. He expressed his happiness at having his model present beside him during Saturday's opening reception. The radiant smiles of Maïmouna, now 25 years old, and her grandfather convey better than words the complicity that unites them.
This special bond illuminates each photograph chosen by Pierre, where Maïmouna's face – smiling, laughing, pouting, clownish, tender – tells the story of their connection. "Our artistic appointments weren't regular," Maïmouna remembered, exchanging amused glances with Pierre. "It was the desires of one or the other that guided the organization of the sessions. They took place over seven years, but even though we haven't renewed them recently, nothing prevents us from doing new ones."
The idea of future sessions doesn't displease her grandfather, who remains happy to reconnect with his favorite model. "Paris, where Maïmouna lives, isn't so far from Carnoët," he noted with a smile. The exhibition captures not just the physical transformation of a young woman coming of age, but also the enduring artistic and personal relationship between two generations.
The "Elle" exhibition runs through August 29 at the Breton Spaniel House in Callac. Visitors can view the photographs Tuesday through Friday from 9 AM to noon, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free. Those interested in contacting Pierre Colletti can reach him at 06.15.90.67.42 or visit his website at pierrecolletti.com.
