Philippe Lopparelli, the grandson of steelworkers, has lived in Lorraine for many years. He has devoted two years of his working life to what he considers his heritage, focusing on landscape, its transformation into nature morte and the evolution of various sites. A fine arts graduate specializing in photography, Philippe initially worked as a picture editor for the prestigious Magnum photo agency. In 1992, he left Magnum to devote more time to researching his region, just as the local blast furnaces were closing down. Time is an essential notion for this artist. “The first quality of a photographer? Never to be in a hurry,” says Philippe, whose photos focus on the lives of others. His work has appeared in various newspapers, including Libération, L’Evénement du Jeudi and Le Monde Diplomatique. The project to which the Jean-Luc Lagardère Foundation lent its support was a photo report exploring the world of prisons. “A distinct atmosphere, a world apart, fascinating because it is so cryptic. Prison: a box into which light enters. A light that gives a rhythm to prisoners’ lives.”  Philippe Lopparelli also used the report to explore the development of the body. “Prisoners who go to the library or write letters are rare. They prefer to write on themselves…Tattoos are a means of escaping boredom and asserting yourself.”

Achievements since winning the grant
In 1994, L’Evénement, Libération and 20 Ans published Philippe Lopparelli’s photo report on prisons, which was also awarded a grant from the Jean-Luc Lagardère Foundation. 
In 1995, Philippe was awarded a prize at the Salon International de la Recherche Photographique de la Ville de Royan for his work on zoos.
In 1996, he published Quel Cirque? with Editions Marval. He was awarded a grant from the Ville de Paris for a report on the capital’s islands and was selected by the jury of the Kodak photographic critics prize.
In 1999, his work was exhibited at the Festival de l’Imagerie in Lannion.
In 2000, he exhibited Paysages Ephémères at the Atelier de Visu in Marseille.
In 2002, Philippe exhibited Corps et Ames at the Aubenades de la Photographie. This work, which took five years to complete, was also featured at the International Festival of Photojournalism in Perpignan.
In 2003, he exhibited his work Sinon J’écrase les Jolies Fleurs at the Rencontres d’Arles.
In 2005, he exhibited Electropia, the result of 10 years spent observing the electronic generation, at the Rencontres d’Arles.
In 2006, he exhibited L’amour, Comment ça Va? at the Maison de la Villette in Paris.