The “Fragile” exhibition explores precariousness in Geneva

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Organised from 5 November to 18 December at the Sécheron community centre, the “Fragile” exhibition addresses the sensitive issue of precariousness in Geneva. It takes the form of a series of portraits of people who have fallen on hard times following a redundancy, a death, depression or illness. These images were created in 2018, before the Covid-19 pandemic. The people who worked with the Geneva-based photographer, Pierre-Alain Balmer, shared their doubts, upheavals and questions about their future with a great deal of dignity.

Exhibition vernissage

The vernissage will be held on 5 November from 5.15 p.m., at the Sécheron community centre. It will be followed by a cocktail attended by the photographer himself and Executive Councillor, Christina Kitsos.

Meeting the subjects of the photographs

This project was founded on the realisation that, day in day out, every one of us unknowingly meets people who have been marginalised or are living in a precarious situation. Working as a volunteer for one year in the association Le Caré, the photographer Pierre-Alain Balmer met numerous vulnerable people who had been marginalised from society despite having contributed to it. Through their impressions and their doubts, the photographer wanted to illustrate their courage in the face of these hardships.

This collection of portraits by Pierre-Alain Balmer is combined with photos of objects which are an integral part of the story of these people. A series of images of Geneva completes the exhibition, clearly establishing the backdrop of the city.

The “Fragile” exhibition reflects the commitment of the Department of Social Cohesion and Solidarity towards destitute people. It will be open to the public at the Sécheron community centre until 18 December 2021, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week and on request at weekends.

Access to the vernissage requires presentation of a Covid certificate.