Pierre Carreau’s AquaViva Series

Comprising a series of outwardly similar yet wildly varying shots of water in motion, AquaViva is all the more remarkable when we consider that nature presents to us this vibrant energy daily wherever the ocean meets the shore. We are incapable of capturing these fleeting masterpieces with our own eyes, however, for the movement is too swift, and the tumultuous action of the waves too distracting in its kinetic form.

For Carreau, the action of waves reveals a unique visual phenomenon conveying a sense of the paradox of power and fragility that exists therein. As Carreau’s describes the goal of his work, it is to “transfer the waves’ energy to those who view them.”

An arch of water that appears to be rendered in shades of gray in fact contains a flurry of polychromatic elements, reflections that become apparent on closer inspection. “Water is amazing,” Carreau explains. “Basically it has no color, but through reflection and refraction it can possess all of them, the entire spectrum of light.”

Carreau observes that the photographic images of AquaViva may sometimes be perceived as objects rather than as two-dimensional representations. The play of light off the multitude of facets and curves on the water’s surface gives the image a sculptural quality that enhances the sense of stillness and power.

Additionally, while water is certainly the most evident subject of the AquaViva series, the photographs are very much about light as well, and Carreau is highly conscious of the nature of sunlight and the way it interacts with the water at different angles and at different times of day.

Photo Credits

All Photographs Are © Pierre Carreau

Pierre Carreau Photographer Bio

Born in 1972 near Paris, Pierre Carreau grew up surrounded by artistic influences in a family that included a photographer, sculptors and painters. Perhaps in reaction to this subtle pressure, he chose initially to pursue a different path and graduated from university with a degree in business. Yet the soul of the artist would not be repressed, and after a number of years working in the IT industry, Carreau returned to his roots and became a professional photographer.

A long-held love of the ocean and water-sports led him to work photographing action shots for surf and kite-surf magazines, but the water itself eventually captured his artistic imagination and became the genesis of AquaViva. In 2004 Pierre moved with his wife and children to the Caribbean island of St. Barthélemy. This small paradise has become Carreau’s open-air studio, where the subtle variations of light from the tropical sun and the endlessly changing soul of the sea become the subjects of his vision.
 
Pierre Carreau’s fine art photography is represented by CLIC Gallery in New York City and St. Barthélemy.

Blog / Website: Pierre Carreau Fine art Photography

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