The Musée Dräi Eechelen will be presenting its first exhibition as part of the European Month of Photography (EMOP). The museum will showcase an original project by Luxembourgish artist Yann Tonnar which features a series of composite images inspired by nine lithographs that Jean-Baptiste Fresez (1800-1867) created in 1828-1829 and titled Vues de Luxembourg. These iconic panoramas of the city of Luxembourg have left their mark on the nation’s collective memory as they are omnipresent in historical representations of the capital. Over time, these views have taken on a nostalgic, even romantic quality, harking back to the time of the fortress.
By mapping contemporary photographs onto historical lithographs with the same view, Yann Tonnar explores different stages of history. In a single image, the Luxembourg of 1829 and that of today coexist, taking us on a journey through two centuries of history by means of digital collage. This approach also juxtaposes two techniques that are representative of their time: lithography, an 18th-century invention that revolutionised the art of printing, and contemporary digital photography, which continues to shape today’s world. Thanks to digital compositing, these two methods of reproduction can be combined to generate hybrid works that reflect on the development of urban landscape. Specially commissioned for EMOP 2025, Yann Tonnar’s project invites us to consider the metamorphosis of the city between memory and modernity and takes an unprecedented look at the urban, historical, civilisational and identity issues that shape Luxembourg's past and present.
Temporary exhibition La cité transparente. Yann Tonnar, from 24 April 2025 to 16 November 2025. Opening on 23 April at 6 pm.
