Noir & Blanc, a photographic aesthetic. COLLECTION OF THE BIBLIOTHÈQUE NATIONALE DE FRANCE Printed in the spring of 2020, the Noir & Blanccatalogue was initially to be published concurrently with the exhibi- tion. The health crisis decided otherwise: the catalogue, which was released for sale in September, was a success in its own right as soon as it was released. This was a well-deserved success for this beautiful book, the result of unrelenting and painstaking work by the publication director, photoengraver and printer to ensure perfect re- production of the works. The tones of the original prints are reflected in their tiniest nuances – an achievement praised by the photographers themselves. Historically,

print has played a major role in the diffusion of the pho- tographic medium. While the function of a catalogue is usually that of an exhibition souvenir, in this case the catalogue took on a life of its own beyond the spatial boundaries of the exhibition just like those works that have marked the history of photography. 3,000 readers bought the Noir & Blanc catalogue de- spite the exhibition never opening its doors. A book of great aesthetic value, Noir & Blanc won over enthusiasts and professionals alike.

CATALOGUES IN A HEALTH CRISIS, OR THE MEMORY OF AN EXHIBITION

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