Jean Daniel Larribau Sylviane Larrieu Extrait du livre d'or La Commanderie de Lacommande (2009) Photography by Philippe Darrigan

The artist photographer Philippe Darrigan, known for his work on "Pyrenees White Water Paintings", has been a enthusiast of the Gaves for 26 years now. While our time tends to favor activities to connect us to nature, Philippe Darrigan offers another bridge, that of the imagination.

His artistic project was inspired by his attentive observation of trout evolving in the Pyrenean waterways. He discovered that these fish had three means of defense adapted to their aquatic environment: flight, color mimicry and what he called "contact".

One day, he had the opportunity to film a trout underwater, blending into its environment. He saw it land on a bed of leaves and reproduce their colors, thus becoming indistinguishable. However, when he viewed the footage on a TV screen, he realized he could no longer see it. By closely examining the sequence, he understood that it was contact with her environment that made her undifferentiated.

Philippe Darrigan therefore undertook to change his outlook to see as the trout saw. His photos, without special effects, bear witness to this research and show the spectacular mimicry of shape that trout use to blend into the decor.

These captivating images, while revealing the secrets of life underwater, also offer a reflection on the perception and understanding of nature. They invite the viewer to explore their own imagination and to see the aquatic world in a new and fascinating way.

• Nationality: FRANCE
• Date of birth : 1953
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary French Artists