The Lift

About Christophe Jacrot

The vast and occasionally inhospitable landscapes of Iceland are the focus of photographer Christophe Jacrot's latest works. With a deep understanding of the scenery's uniqueness, Jacrot showcases small but distinctive homes across the… Read more

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The vast and occasionally inhospitable landscapes of Iceland are the focus of photographer Christophe Jacrot's latest works. With a deep understanding of the scenery's uniqueness, Jacrot showcases small but distinctive homes across the Icelandic landscape. He juxtaposes barren mountain slopes and snow-covered fields with the bright, optimistic hues of the structures – which stand joyfully against monochrome backdrops. He successfully transforms landscape shots into emotional compositions.  
Iceland's climate is characterized by extremes and has a particular impact on the lives of its inhabitants. The significant amount of snowfall that accumulates over many months defines the icelandic landscape and pushes its people to adapt. Within this context, Jacrot’s vibrant houses appear as both protective dwellings and lively spaces - radiating amidst the cold. Jacrot's houses project their energy onto the landscapes, lending them an unexpectedly warm tone.

Rain

Christophe Jacrot puts the fleeting, hidden moments from everyday life in a poetic and romantic light. The stormier the weather in Paris, New York, or Venice, the more ambient the Frenchman’s photographs. Jacrot reveals a new universe so fascinating that no one will want to run for cover at the first hint of rain.

Snow

Freshly fallen snow arouses romantic feelings. Christophe Jacrot takes advantage of this phenomenon. In his work, he shows how “bad” and stormy climates affect life in the big city. The hectic pace slows down. The people seem isolated, pulled out of their daily rhythms.

The soft, white layer gives the streets a particular atmosphere. The cold is palpable, as are the people’s longings for security, warmth and closeness. Christophe Jacrot’s pieces show emotional moments – instants that, as fleeting as they may be, will remain in our memories.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

According to Christophe Jacrot, there are two ways to capture the world in pictures: “On one hand, a photographer can focus on the horrors of the world, or he can take the fear out of it.” The artist, born in France in 1960, says he decided for the latter.

Christophe Jacrot has worked as a freelance photographer since 2006. He discovered a soft spot for rain and snow while he was working on a book in Paris. His assignment was to take sunny pictures, but the weather did not cooperate. The wet streets and reflecting lights excited Jacrot. And they still do. He finds his subjects in big cities; Hong Kong is one of his favourite locations simply due to its long rainy season.

TECHNIQUE

Whenever a bad weather front builds up near a large city, Christophe Jacrot cannot be far away. The French photographer purposely seeks out rain and snow to capture atmospheric moments. The adverse weather conditions create special lighting conditions for the images. The streets empty out, and Jacrot finds the intense situations that develop into the particular power of his work. Even though he consciously takes them in colour, Jacrot’s images look like they could be stills from film noir movies.

I am fascinated by the romantic dimension and emotionality of the rain as well as the untapped universe it still seems to hide.
Christophe Jacrot

VITA

1960	Born in France
	Lives and works in Paris, France

Exhibitions

Solo Exhibitions

2021	Galleri Artsight, Stockholm, Sweden Neiges, Little Big Gallery, Paris, France
2020	Neiges, Galerie de l´Europe, Paris, France
2018	Bellow Zero, Galerie de l'Europe, Paris, France
2017	SNJÓR, Galerie de l’Europe, Paris, France
2014	Blizzard, Galerie de l’Europe, Paris, France New York in black, Galerie de l’Europe, Paris, France
2013	Under the rain, Artistry, Singapore Black an white, NYB+neige, Young Gallery, Brüssel, Belgium in the mood for rain, Kunstlicht Gallery, Shanghai, China
2012	Neige, Galerie de L’Europe, Paris, France
2011	The Sound of Rain, Galerie Soda, Istanbul, Turkey Axelle fine art, New York, USA
2010	Contrasting China, Artemiss Contemporary, Hong Kong, China Galerie de l’Europe, Paris, France Galerie du Chapitre, Nimes, Paris, France
2009	Galerie de l’Europe, Paris, France
2008	Le Lucernaire, Paris, France Galerie de l’Europe, Paris, France Little Big Galerie, Paris, France
2007	Le Lucernaire, Paris, France

Group Exhibitions

2021	ArTypique Galerie, Genf, Switzerland
2020	ArTypique Galerie, Genf, Switzerland
2019	Fotofever Paris 2019, R/G Gallery, Paris, France
2017	Fotofever Paris 2017, Artistics gallery, Paris, France YIA artfair, Paris, France
2015	Scope Art Show, Basel, Switzerland Afordable Art Fair, Hong Kong, China
2014	Fotofever, Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France Collective / Heist photography, London, UK Afordable Art Fair, Hong Kong, China
2013	Afordable Art Fair, New York, USA ASIA CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR, Hong Kong, China
2012	Afordable Art Fair, Singapore
2011	Grand Opening, Artemiss Contemporary & Yellow Cube Gallery, Tokyo, Japan