THE MOMENTS
French photographer uses aluminium to illuminate his abstract art in Bangkok exhibition
French photographer Manolo Chretien’s work conjures within the human consciousness a sea of emotions that can make one’s imagination to run wild. Multi-talented, the former graphic designer and painter’s art resembles abstract creations with hidden messages. He plays with the fluidity found in both nature and the surface of metals. The constant movement creates imagery of hallucination, which either excites or bores you to tears.
Recently in Bangkok for a joint photo exhibition at luxury furniture retailer Chanintr Living’s Thong Lor showroom, the amiable artist spoke to Life about his fascination with taking photos of reflections that mirror urban and rural life. He focuses particularly on aluminium surfaces which, he says, offer maximum abstraction for his work.
Taking photography to the next level, the Frenchman — who has a degree from Olivier de Serres, a famous art school in Paris — spoke passionately about why he goes to great lengths to search for the perfect metal surface to capture the moment. To be able to produce abstract photography, he requires enough gumption to find the best surface, even searching high and low in such areas as bustling metropolises and industrial sites, even a busy train station and a naval port.
To understand Chretien better, we have to go back to his childhood.
‘‘I grew up around aeroplanes, because my father [Jean-Loup Chretien, the first French astronaut] began his career as a test pilot,’’ he began. ‘‘As soon as the windows to my bedroom were open in the morning, I could smell kerosene, watch aluminium aeroplanes fly over the rooftop of our house and watch in amazement at the roaring jet engines. Traces of aerial combat could be spotted not far from our neighbourhood and night flights were part and parcel of my childhood.
‘‘I seriously believe my artistic approach towards taking reflection photography on metal surfaces stems from these experiences.
‘‘Another passion of mine is nature. I was born in the south of France, so I grew up near the sea where the waves and natural elements are very powerful.’’
At 16, Chretien fell in love with photography the day his father brought home a book on aerial shots of the Earth. The pictures reminded him of a cluster of artwork, and he was fascinated with the clouds, surrounding coastal lines and the curves made by land, water and wind erosion. He was mesmerised by the power of nature to produce such perfect colours, curves and the fluidity in its movements.
More than 30 years have elapsed since, and these memories resurface today through a series of photographs that have taken on a more modern aesthetic. He indulges himself by playing with the purity of forms, viewing aircraft, cars and spacecraft as symbols of the world’s endless driving forces behind his work.
Chretien has coined the term ‘‘aluminations’’ — which refers to a combination of illumination, hallucination and aluminum — that have become a signature of his work. Aircraft design, in particular, feeds his enthusiasm; he admits this is because it includes what he describes as a pure and organic aerodynamic structure.
A perfect contrast to his work with metals happens to be the selection of his images which capture his passion for nature in the form of waves, a blast from the past of the time he spent as a youth surfing near his home.
He feels a sense of contentment in the photography. There is a poignant depth to his photography, which showcases innovative techniques of fine art prints on brushed aluminium that make his work stand out from other contemporary pieces in similar genres.
In the age of digital photography, it is important to be original, he said. Chretien explained: ‘‘For me, photography is finding the right balance. It should also be intuitive.
‘‘If I feel at ease with what I am doing, this comes naturally. During my photo shoots I go through a number of emotions that surface without provocation. I call my photography instant paintings. I like my mind to go wild. I do not like doing things that are structured.
‘‘What I love most about photography is that it enables you to freeze that moment in time for eternity. The fact that I am involved in this procedure gives me an adrenalin rush.’’
Pointing at the series taken in New York, which depicts public transport and skyscrapers, Chretien said that in 20 years this photo would be considered vintage because car manufacturers would no longer be making these types of vehicles.
Of his photos of the sea, displayed in both the kitchen and bedroom furniture section, he said it can take him an entire day to capture the perfect wave. Nature is the absolute source of inspiration because of its dynamics, so man goes to nature to find the perfect lines and curves.
His admiration for nature is as great as his passion for planes. So it does not come as a surprise that the reflection of nature on an aeroplane is one of his favourite photos.
Chretien says if an opportunity arose for him to conduct a photo shoot in Thailand, it would have to involve trucks with rivets, which give more distortion to the reflection. The theme of the photography would be people going about their daily chores.
Chretien said he prefers aluminium over surfaces like glass because he aims for the greatest distortion and wants to present an impression of a mirage.
‘‘I love distortion because it lets your mind go wild,’’ he mused. ‘‘I feel delighted to get the audience involved in reading the reflection they see in my photos. They gaze intently at places they might find familiar.
‘‘I put a lot attention on details, so it’s a really nice feeling to get the audience involved. To get into the groove of things, I enjoy kitesurfing, because in my opinion, waves make the perfect curves. Cats also inspire me in my work because they are graceful and alluring.’’
His advice for up-and-coming photographers: ‘‘Be curious, and let your instincts guide you. Living with distortion in your life is not always a bad thing. So do not be afraid of feeling the ups and downs of life, you never know where it will take you!’’