Photo exhibition “Pearls of Occitan – Qatar Castles”

30. JUN - 30. SEP, 2022

From June 30, a photo exhibition “Pearls of Occitan – Qatar Castles” will be on display at the Cēsis Castle Visitor Center. Photos by Philippe Contal (France).

The association “Balticum Ordo Templi” invites the residents of Cēsis and guests to visit the exhibition of photographs by the French photographer Philippe Contal “Pearls of Occitan – Qatari Castles”. The exhibition in Cēsis will be a unique event, as the photographs of the photographer Philippe Contal will be exhibited in Latvia for the first time. The aim of the exhibition is to strengthen the cultural ties between Latvia and France, to develop co-operation in the field of art and history. To arouse interest in French culture, traditions, heritage and natural diversity. Introduce the viewer to the majestic buildings that make up Europe’s historical and cultural heritage. The series of photographs was created in the period from 2013 to 2016. The photos will provide an opportunity to see the beauty and splendor of the landscapes of the Occitan region of southern France, reveal the romance of the mysterious Cathar castles, look back at the medieval history, remember the troubadours who sang about Love, the Crusades and the Albigen tragedy.

The photo lens in the hands of Philippe Contal gives an unusual view of the castles. The viewer is immersed in the sacred mystery of earth and sky, light and darkness, life and eternity. Thanks to the skills of a photographer, with the help of a modern digital image, the exhibition helps to expand perception, encourages to explore and study the historical heritage. The location of the exhibition in the Cēsis History and Art museum will allow the attentive viewer to create their own analogies and emphasize the common roots of Western culture and its values.

Opening of the photo exhibition on June 30.

The exhibition is open until the end of September.

Prepared by: Balticum Ordo Templi Association