At the beginning of this photographic series,

I was touched by the unique work of Momoka Sato who is a Japanese artist and lace creator.

She is inspired by personal memories when creating her clothes.

In a letter to me she wrote.

 

“Some of the clothes I have sent you are things I have made over time to help me understand, in my own

way, that my grandmother has passed away. "

 

Her grandmother’s name was Yuri, which translates as Lily.  

She told me how, on the anniversary of her death and her birthday, she buys lilies, decorate her room,

and spend the day wearing the clothes she used to wear.

 

At that time, I was living at Yport, a small village next to the sea in Normandy, France.

In the middle of summer, a commemoration takes place for those who found death at sea.

A statue of the Virgin Mary and flowers, including lilies are immersed into the waters,

an offering for those who now rest there.

In the search for intimacy but also a shared emotional experience,

we have come to understand that we were searching for the expression of an intimate prayer through our work.

 

Although the countries of origin, the religions and cultures that we are familiar with are different,

there is strength in the fact that no matter where, humans share the same experiences of loss,

the same sorrow and the same hopes.

In those times of division and wars, such a simple thought seemed precious to me.

A world started to create in myself.

Within an imaginary time, within an imaginary space,

somewhere in between, almost etheric.

Where the contrast of borders vanishes creating space for a fluid,

almost wave like, shared experience.

The human experience.

Nature carrying it all.

 

 

 

​​A Super 8 film with the Poem

"Prayer to the Ocean"

co-exists with this series.