Photographer Julie Dan will present a powerful exhibition at La Castélorienne in Montval-sur-Loir, Sarthe, running through November 30, 2025, as part of the campaign against violence toward women. The exhibition, titled "Together Like a Rock on the Path to Reconstruction," features a series of respectful portraits of women who are themselves survivors of domestic violence.
The project began when Dan attended a self-defense class organized several months ago in Montval-sur-Loir, where she met women who had experienced domestic violence. "Six or seven of them agreed to pose for me," Dan explained. "I asked them to come, I had my flash equipment, I put on some music. We talked at length together. It's a really powerful theme, and it's not easy to open up about. They are very brave to share their stories."
Dan's artistic approach focused specifically on hands as the central element of her portraits. "Hands are at the origin of everything - good and bad," she said. "I wanted to create my own universe while offering them a moment of respite. I draw nourishment from encounters, and it's true that in this specific case, it did me good to feel connected to these women." The photographer emphasized treating the subject "with the utmost respect" while maintaining "a very human approach."
Through this work, Dan aimed to demonstrate the importance of self-forgiveness for survivors. "I wanted to show that there's no point in anchoring yourself to this suffering and that you must draw from the strength of life, provided you have that breakthrough moment," she stated. Her broader message centers on the idea that despite the pain of precarious or constraining situations, "life deserves to be lived."
Dan, who is originally from Brittany, expressed gratitude to the entire team that made this event possible at La Castélorienne. "I had already exhibited during the Women in the Countryside festival in Neuvy-le-Roi, but this is the first time I'm exhibiting in Montval. I'd like to continue on this trajectory," she noted. According to Dan, photography serves as a witness to life's reality, which she attempts to demonstrate through this exhibition and more broadly through her art.
The photographic exhibition "Together Like a Rock on the Path to Reconstruction" can be viewed at La Castélorienne, located at 92 Avenue Jean-Jaurès in Montval-sur-Loir, through November 30, 2025. The exhibition represents both an artistic achievement and a meaningful contribution to raising awareness about domestic violence while celebrating the resilience and courage of survivors.
