France: rediscovering one’s image

I have always been interested in the agricultural world and in people who do not receive enough attention. Of course, when I heard about the Ferme de Moyembrie, I was eager to visit it. The founder of this place, Jacques Pluvinage, was committed to helping prisoners. He decided to start this project after observing that release from prison was a source of anxiety rather than joy. He wanted to use market gardening to make the transition easier. That is why he sold his house near Paris and bought these 25 hectares of land in Picardy. In the beginning, the project had no formal structure, but by the time I visited in 2011, it had become a professional operation. The farm had twenty or so residents, accompanied by a team of social workers.

When I went to the farm, I was fully immersed. I spent every day and every evening with the residents. They were incredibly enthusiastic and confided in me. It was not always easy to listen to their stories, though, as they were so moving. Everyone agreed to be photographed by me. Only one person said no, but they changed their mind after a few days. I could tell that not being photographed bothered them.

This photo was taken in a huge barn that held rabbits and goats. This man, who was somewhat reserved, came over to me to show me this rabbit. He raised it up a bit and held it, looking at it fondly. This photo shows his gesture and its gentleness. It also depicts a metaphor for captivity. That sort of came to mind as I watched the man take the animal out of its cage. This photo also alludes to a certain duality. We all have a darker side, whether we choose to act on it or not. But we are not defined by it. We must look at the positive side of people. Most of the people I met out there are isolated. That emotional desert is full of tragic stories and men who feel unloved. My goal is to restore their humanity and their dignity.