Lucie Berquiere Photographe

Mu isamaa

Estonia, 2025
16 photographs, various sizes, audio

Every five years, tens of thousands of Estonian choristers and folk dancers gather in Tallinn for several days to celebrate Estonian culture, independence and freedom. Inscribed on the list of masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO, this festival, whose tradition dates back to the 19th century, is the most important event for this nation of 1.3 million inhabitants. The country has a rich musical heritage and one of the world's richest repertoires of folk songs. This first edition since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 resonates as a strong symbol of attachment to their land. This exhibition consists of a photographic series accompanied by audio archives.

"Lucie Berquière takes us to the vibrant world of the Tallinn Singing festival, a significant event in Estonian culture. Through a series of photographs accompanied by audio archives, she captures the essence of a gathering that celebrates a nation's identity and independence. The photographer highlights the significance of this event, which is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. 'In these difficult times, it is important to remember how tradition can be a unifying force,' she explains. Berquière's work embodies not only the cultural significance of the festival, but also the unifying and resistant power of music and art." Hugo Clément, from Ruralités 2024 magazine

Exhibition view, Les Boutographies Hors les Murs photography festival, Montpellier, France, 2026