Wanderings in France by Joe Sterling

Photography Exhibition


2 December 2011 – 18 February 2012
(Opening Thursday 1 December at 6.30pm)


Wanderings in France is a series of photographs taken between 1980 and 2011. The pictures were taken in various locations throughout France and celebrate the cultural diversity of everyday life there, with each region having its own individual identity, customs and rituals - all totally unique and existing simultaneously. This eclectic mixture of images will inform the viewer of the beauty and remoteness of some of these regions. Geographical boundaries, like the Pyrenees Mountains, isolated many of these communities for generations. These regions were really only brought together after the French revolution and divided into Departments in 1790 when a centralised government in Paris tried to bring all the regions of France together under one flag, speaking one language.

It is difficult to imagine that France, as the country we know today, was composed of many different regions with totally different climates and geography. Many of the languages spoken were a direct consequence of residing close to neighbouring countries. Commerce and trade between these regions also had an influence on language, customs, and the social norms. Flemish was spoken in the North of France, Breton in the West, while in the South West some regions were influenced by Spain. In the North East and East, France is bordered by Germany, Switzerland and Italy, all of which contribute to the rich diversity of culture and cuisine.

Joe Sterling has been Course Coordinator of Photography in Sallynoggin College of Further Education [1989-2011]. He has exhibited in numerous group shows and solo exhibitions over the past thirty years and is very involved in the “photo scene” in Ireland.

Following a BA (Hons) in Documentary Photography from University of Wales College Newport in 1999 Joe Sterling studied in Dun Laoghaire School of Art and Design for his HND in Design for Communications in 1980. He was awarded an MFA in Documentary Photography by University of Wales College Newport in 2008 and he has also been a visiting Lecturer in University of Wales and University of Ulster, Belfast Campus.

Admission free
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 8.30am-6.30pm / Friday: 8.30am-5pm / Saturday 8.30am-2pm
Alliance Française, 1 Kildare Street, Dublin 2.