Controversies: A legal and ethical history of photography

Since its invention in 1839, photography is the focus of controversy and sensational trials. The image goes into effect in the heart of the ethical or legal strictly that marked the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Photography is at the crossroads of freedom of expression and individual rights. She is also a symbol of power, and therefore regularly confronted with censorship, destruction or manipulation.
The photograph was aroused in the world of art, politics, science, journalism, fashion or advertising of heated debates that have often ended in court. A large majority of photographers have been trained in legal proceedings or controversies that had a significant impact on their careers.

The NAC presents here a large selection of photographs, famous or unknown, who were the subject of litigation or controversy, the beginnings of photography to contemporary art. The assembly thus better understand the look that societies and cultures are the images of their time and consider the current debate with a critical eye.

Each photograph is loaded with a story that is complex and often serious. Therefore, the explanation of each of them in the exhibition can be simplified a fragment of a larger context and nuance.

The exhibition was organized by Daniel Girardin, curator of the Musée de l'Elysée and Christian Pirker, a lawyer in Geneva, assisted by Yaniv Benhamou, Christophe Blaser, Charlotte Mailler, Pauline Martin and Heloise Pocry.
Commissioners related to the NAC, Luxembourg: Marguy Conzemius Michele Walerich.