Catherine and Nicolas Ceresole

11,000 volts, 2025

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The exhibition originally presented in 2013 at the Centre Culturel Suisse in Paris under the curatorship of Jean-Paul Felley and Olivier Kaeser is now revisited by Maxime Guitton, associate curator 2025.

This exhibition combines photographs and archives to celebrate the life and passion of Catherine (1956-2023) and Nicolas Ceresole (1954-), two Swiss music lovers whose lives have been entirely dedicated to music. From New York to Rolle, from mythical downtown clubs (CBGB, Danceteria, Knitting Factory...) to European stages, their journey can be read through 126 photographic prints and a rich selection of personal archives.
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In 1979, the couple moved to New York, where Catherine photographed the post-punk, no wave and experimental scene, while Nicolas recorded concerts and built up a vinyl collection. Their immersion in the downtown scene enabled them to make friends with musicians and artists such as Sonic Youth, Lydia Lunch, Rhys Chatham, Arto Lindsay and Christian Marclay, actively participating in this artistic effervescence.

Catherine's grainy, vibrant photographs capture the raw energy of concerts little documented at the time, reflecting the DIY ethos and spontaneity of musicians "at work". The archives on display testify to the continuity of their musical commitment on their return to Europe, perpetuating the links with the New York scene. The prints presented were made on 310 g Canson Platine Fiber paper and were first shown in the exhibition Catherine Ceresole. Other Music (2013, Centre Culturel Suisse, Paris, curators Olivier Kaeser and Jean-Paul Felley). The entire archive comes from Nicolas Ceresole's personal collection.
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The Biennale Son warmly thanks Nicolas Ceresole and Stéphane Neri for their invaluable contribution.

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Catherine Ceresole

1956 - 2023
Lived in Rolle

Catherine and Nicolas Ceresole moved to New York in 1979, attracted by the city's artistic effervescence. Nicolas trained as a sound engineer, while Catherine photographed the concerts and backstage scenes of the emerging no-wave and punk scene. Their immersion allowed them to rub shoulders with artists such as Sonic Youth, the Swans, Lydia Lunch, Glenn Branca and the Beastie Boys. Catherine captures these moments with a unique sensitivity. Returning to Switzerland after twelve years, she consolidates her reputation in the field of music photography.