Published by St-Barth Weekly - Local News in English
Edition N°362 - April 7, 2016 (Cover and page 7)

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For Carreau, the action of waves reveals a unique visual phenomenon conveying a sense of the paradox of power and fragility that exists therein. His aim, to "transfer the waves' energy to those who view them." The images often evoke a range of emotions depending on the state of mind and perspective of the viewer; from the exhilaration familiar to surfers, to the meditative calm we feel in moments of peaceful introspection. As we view the pieces, the rise and fall of the water is like watching a living organism inhale and exhale and we fall into its hypnotic rhythm.
 

The play of light off the multitude of facets and curves on the water's surface give the images a sculptural quality that enhances the sense of stillness and power. This simultaneous depiction of roiling movement and suspended kinetic energy parallels the dual nature of the oceans and of water itself: life-giving and yet dangerous, inviting and yet fearsome, primordial and yet ever-changing and always renewed. This sculptural effect of dynamism in static suspension is at once conscious and haphazard, a function of the rapid genesis of these images and the evident fact that the artist cannot possibly see the final work at the very moment of its birth.
 

Carreau’s three newest pieces were shot in the water and this proximity to the waves gives an even greater degree of intimacy with his subject matter. His triptych tells a story—the first image invites us into the water, we feel its depth and texture, the second shows it coming to life, taking power and we see its shape forming, lastly we see its development into a beautiful breathing, rolling wave. It is a process and we are part of it. We feel the wave— its beauty and its power. 

These new pieces also appreciate the three elements of liquid, solid and air with the apparition of the water, the land and the sky. There is something very hypnotic and pure about Carreau’s work and the reminder of the wonder of the world around us.
 

For additional information:
info@spacestbarth.com

Pierre Carreau Photography
Space SBH Gallery, Gustavia
Opening reception:
Saturday, April 9
6pm-8pm