Photographs and stories of France in the late 1970s and early 1990s

Photographer and author Hans Hickerson will give an illustrated talk, sharing his photographs and stories of France in the late 1970s and early 1990s. Through his four photobooks, Hickerson offers a rare and evocative portrait of France, seen through the lens of an American student. His works capture the essence of a bygone era, from the rhythms of daily life in Avignon during his study-abroad year to the bustling atmosphere of a traditional French market in Villefranche-sur-Saône, his experiences teaching English in a high school in Marseille as well as life on a farm in Normandy.

These images and stories transport us to a France that has since evolved, preserving glimpses of traditions, landscapes, and moments that are fading with time.

This event is bilingual, accommodating French and English speakers.

Following the talk, Hickerson will sign copies of his books, which will be available for purchase at a special discount for Alliance Française members.

Hickerson has an extensive background in language teaching at both the secondary and university levels. He has made photographs since the 1970s and over the years has explored different ways of working, including collage, cut-outs, framing in non-traditional ways, and contextualizing photographs in books. He has a degree in French from Portland State University and a Maîtrise de Lettres Modernes from the University of Avignon. Along with his personal work he reviews photobooks for virtual magazine PhotoBook Journal, where he serves as Associate Editor. He lives in Portland, Oregon.