Rayon Vert is the name of an optical phenomenon caused by the refraction of light off the earth atmosphere during sunset; it has been used by novelist Jules Verne, and filmmaker Eric Rohmer, as a narrative device as well as a metaphor for the pursuit of intimacy.

The work can be seen as a continuation of a tradition focussing on the relationship between artist and model. The images respond to the existing, and too often clichéd, representations of femininity. The images are based on fact and are devoid of a patriarchal vision of beauty.

My project is an exploration of the female image or my own definition of a woman.

I decided to portray my circle of relations, young women aged between 20 and 30. I photographed a lot of girls, finding which ones could bring their individuality to the image. In a way, we constructed the images together. I discovered that being a woman photographing woman allowed me to capture these intimate images, and that was an advantage that I wanted to explore. I tried to catch the subjects in subtle and intimate moments and let a reaction happen in front of the camera. I found the expression given by painter, David Salle « theatrical intimacy » and felt this was appropriate for my work because I’m working with light to create this theatrical moment.

I’m asking them to pose, they are here because they know they will have their photograph taken. But in contrast, I’m trying to be spontaneous, to use the feeling, and gesture of the model in a delicate way.

It’s a case of displacing enough things from the image, working in a minimal environment avoiding decorative elements, in some images, this extends to clothing. I feel in this way, I was able to go straight to the subject, and find more authenticity. To arrive at a point of limit. I wanted to destabilize the conservative and patriarchal female representation, which is difficult, especially with young women.

It’s a question of taking back the image of young people from an increasingly commercial media.