Mesnographies 2026

Les Mesnographies is a free, open-air international photography festival in Les Mesnuls, France, showcasing large-scale works that foster cultural exchange, social reflection, and community engagement through diverse, thought-provoking themes.

Overview

This international photography festival is held annually in the small French commune of Les Mesnuls, in the Yvelines region. What sets it apart from many other photography festivals is its open-air, free-to-the-public format. It is hosted in the Parc des Mesnuls, where large-scale photographic works are displayed outdoors, allowing visitors to experience contemporary photography in a natural, accessible setting rather than inside traditional galleries. Its mission goes beyond aesthetics, aiming to make art available to all while fostering dialogue and cultural exchange. By presenting photographers from different countries and backgrounds, the festival encourages diverse perspectives and understanding, often addressing socially or politically engaged themes.

The sixth has issued a call for submissions on the challenging and sensitive theme of incest. Selected photographers will have their work displayed in the park on large-format banners. The festival also emphasizes community participation; during the opening weekend, selected artists are hosted by local residents, creating direct engagement between the community and the artists.

For the 2026 edition of Les Mesnographies the official selection comprises a total of 22 photographers from 15 nationalities. Among them are Jay Ng Yun Ki, Miia Autio, Edoardo de Ruggiero, Hashim Nasr, John Pallis, Tamara Eckhardt, Rie Yamada, Sasha Mongin, Joan Alvado, as well as the collective Les Week-ends. The artistic direction for this sixth edition is entrusted to Claire Pathé, supported by Annaka Stretta.

Les Mesnographies is an event that combines art, social reflection, and community participation. By bringing photography into public, natural spaces, it reaches audiences who might not otherwise visit galleries. Its thematic focus on issues like gender, identity, ecology, and taboo subjects invites visitors to engage critically with the world, making the festival a unique blend of visual art, dialogue, and cultural exploration.