I recently had the chance to visit the LILOU exhibition and can't recommend it highly enough. As soon as I entered, I was impressed by the quality of the works presented. The exhibition offered an intimate insight into the life of this young autistic man through the eyes of his sister, harmoniously blending technique and feeling.

Lucie Hodiesne Darras is a French photographer and a graduate of the École de l'Image, Les Gobelins. A committed artist, she uses images and intimate writing to shed light on the stories of people who are often invisible in our society. Dedicated to her autistic brother, her LILOU series has won numerous awards and been featured in many exhibitions. The photographs are analogue because this was a requirement for her finals at the Gobelins. The series is also the subject of an eponymous book published by Éditions Fisheye in March 2023.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviour, and communication. Individuals with autism may also have unique strengths and differences in sensory processing. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning that symptoms and characteristics can vary greatly from one person to another. Autism is not a disease and cannot be "cured", but with appropriate support and interventions, individuals with autism can lead fulfilling lives.

Lucie Hodiesne Darras writes: “Lilou is my older brother’s nickname. Antoine is 35 and autistic (...) Like Luc Besson's heroine in The Fifth Element movie, he's an exceptional person, living in a different universe from ours.”

For the last seven years, the young artist-photographer has been collaborating with her elder brother on this project, which sheds light on the fact that people with ASD are still stigmatized.

Lucie Hodiesne Darras adds: “It’s with a very positive and humanistic approach that I would like to offer a new perspective on autism, full of hope and optimism, for greater inclusion in our society.”

Lilou himself doesn't speak, write or draw. Through his sister's photos, he reveals himself with staggering honesty. Always attentive to her brother's well-being, Lucie constructs a poetic monochromatic tale based on his rituals (these are necessary for him in both time and space).

The photos on display were not only aesthetically impressive, but also carried profound and powerful messages. Each photo told a piece of his story, arousing in me a sincere emotion.

What's more, the organization of the exhibition was exemplary. The space was laid out in such a way as to highlight each photo, while offering visitors an immersive, fluid experience. The information provided on the artists and works was clear and interesting, enabling a better understanding of his daily life.

Finally, the exhibition staff was welcoming, attentive and passionate, all of which helped to make my visit even more enjoyable.

In conclusion, the LILOU exhibition is a must-see for all photography enthusiasts, but also for anyone wanting to develop a new perspective on autism. An enriching photographic and human experience that I warmly recommend to all.

If you want to visit this exhibition go to 5 rue de la Treille, Clermont-Ferrand every Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 6.30pm from 12/04 to 18/05.

Helena Lixi