Culture never grows through isolation or by turning in on itself. It is constantly enriched through contact with a wider environment, through encounters, exchanges and the influence of traditions that can reach back centuries.
Berbérités
A photographic exhibition on the Berber and Amazigh heritage of southern Tunisia by Pierre Gassin.
A territory shaped by encounters
Southern Tunisia, one of the historic centres of Berber civilisation, has absorbed a wide range of cultural contributions over the centuries. They have given it a singular identity whose influence extends across the country. Berbérités offers an introspective journey turned outward, exploring the older social structures that shaped southern Tunisia.
These photographs bear witness to deep reserves of tradition, spirituality and tolerance that give places such as Medenine, Ghomrassen, Chenini, Zammour and Tamezret their distinctive character. Living on the Kerkennah archipelago gave me the time to develop such a project while gradually taking in the singularities of a territory marked by a long history.
Passing it on to new generations
The exhibition is above all intended to involve young Tunisians in this dialogue between generations. Working with teachers, guided visits were organised to question the traces left by older customs and to consider how they continue to exist within contemporary society.
In a present-day world facing climatic and social changes of exceptional scale, it is becoming essential to reclaim what older community practices can still teach us. Through reflection, listening and respect, this re-learning can become a safeguard against excess and loss of direction.