The town hall of Perros-Guirec (Côtes-d'Armor) announced the withdrawal from the exhibition of photographer Philip Plisson, convicted of rape, and who was the target of a petition demanding his " immediate withdrawal from public space ". “ For five years, the municipal team has strengthened the place of art in the street (...) to initiate and raise awareness of creation and artistic emotion for free (...). The controversy over the choice of the photographer leads us to withdraw these photos, ”the town hall said in a statement sent to AFP on Friday.
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The photographer, star of sea photography whose pictures of the Breton coast have sold millions of copies, was convicted in 2014 of the rape of his niece in the summer of 1999 in the family home of Trinité-sur -Sea, when the young girl was just over 18. He had been sentenced to five years in prison, including three years, by the Assize Court of Morbihan. Twelve of the photos of Philip Plisson, 73, were exhibited on the beach of Trestrignel, in this tourist town of Côtes-d'Armor, since June 27. The exhibition was to be held until April 30, 2021, according to the town hall.
In an internet petition, entitled " Plisson à Perros, the exhibition of shame " the signatories express their " indignation ", asking for the withdrawal of the exhibition. “ Philip Plisson has the right to reintegrate, to exercise his profession, he and his family are free to trade in his photos and to make a gallery of them in their shop and in private places. But, of all the talented photographers in our region, why make such a rewarding place for it, in such a busy place? (...) Why force part of the population to think “rape” every time they go to Trestrignel? “, Ask the signatories.
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The town hall of the Breton city indicates that this situation " leads to suspend until further notice any new public exhibition in Perros-Guirec and in particular the major summer exhibition 2021 (the one that was scheduled for 2020) whose theme is" La woman: muse of painters in Brittany ” ”.
