Michel Comte, Light (part.)
segnaliamo
Wednesday 15 November 2017 12.00 AMSunday 10 December 2017

Michel Comte. Light

Corner MAXXI and Extra MAXXI – free entrance
curated by Jens Remes

One of the most prominent photographers worldwide presents a new collection of artworks so as to study the impact of global warming on glacial landscapes

Ten years ago, Michel Comte gave up his career as a fashion photographer in order to fully devote himself to his private passion and give life to his broadest project to date. Comte, who is an expert climber and pilot, started photographing and depicting glacial environments 30 years ago, constantly carrying out his research for three decades.

Light consists in the study of natural landscapes through large sculptures, photos, video installations and projections. Comte went back to the same places for more than ten years to document even the tiniest changes in light and landscape. His depictions of glacial landscapes defy the tradition of landscape photography by alternating close-ups and partial details with panoramic views and abstract, evocative structures, thereby unveiling the unpredictable and frosty nature of these giants. By counterpoising the gradual disappearance and fragility of glaciers to their strength, mysteriousness and monumentality, the cold violence of these images cannot but elicit fear, anger and frustration in those who witness the erosion and loss of such important natural heritage.

Light is no mere fine collection of landscapes: it is a wake-up call, a political statement and a call to arms