Christian Poncet: North Light
Mind’s Eye / Galerie Adrian Bondy presents “North Light,” an exhibition by Christian Poncet.
Hailing from Lyon, Christian Poncet resides in Haute-Savoie and has spent the last two decades capturing the surrounding lakes and mountains. These magnificent and diverse landscapes, the stuff of many photographers’ dreams, have grown so familiar to him over time that he no longer perceives them, at least not through the lens of a photographer in constant search of fresh images.
The North has always held a unique allure for him. He cannot precisely explain it: is it the ‘sameness’ of the landscapes, their flat and uniform quality, the ever-changing light, or perhaps that distinct atmosphere so different from his usual surroundings?
In 2012, he embarked on a week-long journey from the Bay of the Somme to Belgium, spanning from Cayeux-sur-Mer to Ostend.
“That May was chilly and rainy, the gray sandy beaches were deserted, with only a few lone walkers battling the wind in their raincoats. Nothing prompted me to take out a camera. But how could I resist the colorful, haphazard shacks of Berck-Plage, its dated white buildings, or a bit further along, Stella-Plage’s seafront: this dark stone ‘wall’ facing the sea, overlooked by an extensive parking lot and a seemingly desolate wasteland – with the lone sentinel being the bar-restaurant with the inviting sign ‘frites – gaufres – crèpes’ (french fries, waffles, and crepes).”
Since then, he has made regular returns to the region, in spring or late summer. Over time, his collection of images has grown. He could easily turn the page, explore elsewhere, uncover new horizons. But no, the North patiently awaits him, for a long time to come.
About the Author
Christian Poncet has been practicing photography since the age of 18. Throughout his career, “street photography” has remained his preferred practice – urban spaces and the hustle and bustle of cities serve as his primary sources of inspiration and his favorite playground. However, in parallel, his discovery of pinhole photography 20 years ago led him to explore other techniques and approach a more contemplative, less compulsive style of photography.
He has participated in numerous collective and solo exhibitions in places like Annecy, Evian, Paris, Clermont-Ferrand, Montpellier, and his photographs are part of the collections of institutions such as the Artothèque of Annecy, Grenoble, and the Museum-Château of Annecy.
Christian Poncet: North Light
September 14 – October 22, 2023
Mind’s Eye / Galerie Adrian Bondy – Paris – France
More info on:
