The town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz presents the photo exhibition of Anita Conti titled « From Northern Waters to Warm Seas, » at both the Rotonde and the Villa Ducontenia, from Friday, June 28 to Sunday, August 25, 2024.
The sea as a passion
This retrospective invites the public to embark on a high-sea journey in the wake of Anita Conti (1899-1997), a multidisciplinary artist, oceanographer, ethnologist, writer, and photographer.
The exhibition is divided into two parts: « Northern Waters, » showcased at Villa Ducontenia, and « Warm Seas, » exhibited at the Rotonde. Highlighting the artistic and scientific works of this pioneer, the exhibition covers various periods and locations, focusing on the enduring struggle between humanity and the ocean.
At Villa Ducontenia, the northern waters
In 1935, Anita Conti embarked on the 1st French oceanographic vessel. In 1939, she spent 100 days in the Barents Sea, warning of the over-exploitation of the oceans and excessive fishing.
During the war, she embarked as a Navy photographer on minesweepers in the English Channel and North Sea, photographing attempts to clear mines. She was the first woman on board a Royal Navy ship, and played an active role in mine clearance operations at Dunkirk.
In 1952, she embarked for five months in the far north. She was the first woman in France to share the life of the terre-neuvas, and was shocked by the « 1,000 tonnes of salted cod brought back ».
Her approach is driven by the desire to understand and bear witness to the sources of life, of which the sea and sailors are the emblems. Tender and sharp, her eye is human and sincere.
On-site screening of Louise Hémon’s documentary at Villa Ducontenia: « Voyage de documentation de Madame Anita Conti » – 2024 – 38′ Hutong productions
At La Rotonde, warm seas
In 1941, Anita Conti embarked on a trawler that fled to African shores to continue fishing and feeding people.
For 2 years, from one trawler to another, she observed the fishermen as they discovered species of fish unknown in France.
She continued to enrich the maps of fishing areas and took an interest in the techniques used in warm seas.
From 1943 to 1946, she helped to improve fishing conditions on the coasts of West Africa and perfected their development to counter the protein deficiencies of the local populations.
From 1947 to 1952, with the support of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, she set up several fisheries known as « Les Pêcheries d’Outre-Mer ».
The Anita Conti archives are now preserved at the Lorient Archives and distributed by the VU’ agency.
VISIT
Free entry Wednesday to Sunday from 3pm to 7.30pm and Saturday from 10am to 12pm and from 3pm to 7.30pm.
La Rotonde, place Maurice Ravel
Villa Ducontenia, 12 avenue Ithurralde
