Sébastien Martinon Avenger - TBM - 3E, 2015, Inkjet on Archival fine art Epson Ultra Smooth Paper (Edition of 25) (41.34 x 29.53 in / 105 x 75 cm)

Published by Spirit of St Barth Magazine
Original text by: Ray Parish, Photographs by: Sébastien Martinon
Edition N°10 - 2023 (Pages 96-101)

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Sébastien Martinon, a well known local artist in St Barth, presents his series "Targeted" of black and white photography of the airplanes from the 2015 2nd edition Bucket Air Show. This limited series is available for purchase at Space Gallery St Barth.

St. Barth's island welcomed in 2015 the second edition of the Bucket Air Show, a breathtaking air performance which stages many vintage planes used during World War II, commonly called the "warbirds". This collection came directly from the United States in association with pilots from the Texas Flying Legends Museum and the Lewis Air Legends who both strive to honor the American past, values and freedom. This event is also linked to the Bucket Regatta which is a well-known nautical show that takes place every year on the island and where the largest and most magnificent sailboats gather together.

During these 3 days, hundreds of spectators have the opportunity to admire antique planes performing sensational parades in different parts of the island. St Barth airport however remains the place which offers the most impressive sight. Located in a steep descent between two hills in front of the ocean, Gustave III Airport is indeed famous for being one of the most dangerous in the world.

Having the chance to gaze at planes dating back to World War II coming and going at top speed in this area, becomes an outstanding experience. At the end the pilots close the spectacle with an impressive and remarkable floor machine-gunning.

On this point of the island, where the photographs were taken, Sébastien Martinon the photographer, found himself at the end of the runway and said that he had been used as a "target" by the aviators so that they could align their planes at best. While glancing through the following collection of black and white photography, one can indeed see that they have all been taken from the same angle, forward-facing. Although taking pictures of such an event involved a certain amount of risk, it was a highly productive photo-shoot as it resulted in this spectacular series of imagery.