Nikos Aliagas : vive les vieux !

The video discusses the meaning of aging today, particularly through the lens of a photography exhibition titled "Les Grands Âges" by Nico Saliagas, held at the Musée de l'Homme in Paris. The exhibition, a collaboration with bio-demographer Samuel Pavard, aims to present a counter-narrative to a society that, according to Saliagas, doesn't fully embrace or understand the elderly. Saliagas explains his lifelong fascination with photographing older people, starting with his parents. He recalls a childhood where elders played a significant role, recounting family histories and ancestral stories. This tradition, he notes, seems to be diminishing, replaced by a focus on the present and a lack of time to engage with the past. He believes this is why society struggles with aging; it's not a dislike, but rather an inability to connect with the traces of a life lived. The elderly, he observes, often perceive time differently, with moments from their youth feeling as present as their current reality. The exhibition showcases powerful portraits that capture the essence of aging without attempting to beautify or conceal it. One striking photograph features Michel and Simone, a couple who have been together for over seventy years. Michel, a former engineer, and his wife, despite Michel's memory loss, share a profound, unspoken connection. Saliagas describes a moment captured in their photograph where their hands touch, and a lifetime of shared experience seems to pass between them, a testament to intense connection that transcends the immediate. Another compelling image is of a "Gitane Muet," a Roma woman who was a significant presence in Saliagas' mother's childhood. This woman, who worked in the fields and acted as an improvised caregiver, is revisited decades later by Saliagas' mother. The reunion highlights the poignant reality of returning to a familiar place that has changed irrevocably, where former acquaintances are present but different, and some are no longer there. The Gitane, though unable to speak, communicates volumes through her gaze, embodying a profound presence and an "interest of love." Her gesture, resembling a child wanting to sleep, is a powerful symbol of vulnerability and peace. Saliagas defines aging not as a shipwreck but as a survival, a process of learning and finding one's way. He sees it as a blessing to be a witness to life and its passage. He cautions against the arrogance of the present, emphasizing that individuals are merely passing through, much like historical figures who once occupied significant spaces. He uses the example of Paris, where monumental events occurred, to illustrate that human presence is transient. Reflecting on his own evolution, Saliagas discusses how he perceives his past self through photographs. He recalls a period of gravity in his youth, feeling out of sync with his peers. Over time, he embraced his own path, eventually becoming more like his parents. He describes a photograph of himself as a young boy dancing with his mother, a moment of pure innocence where parents seemed eternal. He now experiences a similar insouciance through his own children, though they too are beginning to grapple with complex questions. He sees this mirroring effect in parenthood, where one's own conscience is reflected in their child's experiences. He also shares memories of his grandmothers. His maternal grandmother, a resilient woman of the earth, worked tirelessly, even in challenging circumstances, to provide for her family. Her silence and "pudeur" (modesty) are qualities he recognizes in the individuals featured in his exhibition. His paternal grandmother, though unseen, was a poet who conveyed wisdom and stories, offering an open book of life despite her own hardships. For those seeking solace and perspective on the passage of time, Saliagas recommends reading ancient texts, particularly Homer and philosophers who discuss "ataraxia"—a state of serene calmness and alignment with the present moment. He suggests contemplating the enduring presence of nature, like a 600-year-old olive tree, to gain a sense of proportion and humility. The exhibition "Les Grands Âges" is described as emotional and insightful, encouraging viewers to confront their own perceptions of aging and the value of lived experience. Saliagas hopes the exhibition will be extended, suggesting its profound impact on visitors. The conversation concludes with a brief mention of a forthcoming segment on Epsom.