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Julia Gragnon: “The reward is to see people happy! »

The disappearance of Jane Birkin, on July 16, intensified the phenomenon: not a day, in fact, without scrolling on our telephone screens, one of these "vintage" photos with powerful glamor to the glory of legends of the last century. Met a few days before the disappearance of the French icon, the young founder of the Galerie de l'instant, an expert in photography of celebrities from the 60s to the 80s, evokes the authenticity of these vintage shots that fascinate us.

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ANDREW BIRKIN 1969 JANE SERGE OXFORD SUNSET LAGALINSTANT

Julia Gragnon founded one of the most unique and endearing galleries in the Paris of photography. Opened in 2008 in the Marais, now also located in Nice, the Galerie de l'Instant has become one of the essential addresses for those who love beautiful images of celebrities. Not just anyone is displayed on its walls, as shown by the current exhibition, "Catherine Deneuve: right bank, left bank", open until 1er October (also at the Hotel Lutetia).

For almost 20 years, at 46 rue de Poitou, Julie Gragnon, a talent scout, has been revealing the photography she loves: that of the great photographers of the last century and the legendary series that contributed, from the 60s to the 80s, to the birth of our favorite legends, from Steve McQueen to the Rolling Stones, from Romy Schneider to Madonna. Fascinated at a very young age by the beauty of bodies (a prima ballerina mother) and by the magic of the lens (a photographer father at Paris Match), the one who definitely embodies a certain idea of ​​photography, always on the lookout for rare shots, most often vintage, always evoking a destiny, welcomes us into her lair to discuss the profession she exercises, old-fashioned, with passion.

More on the gallery lagaleriedelinstant.com
Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin, Oxford, 1969 (©ANDREW BIRKIN – LA GALERIE DE L'INSTANT)

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