PICTORIAL STORY
May 3, 2024
BIFRÖST
An Artistic Expedition
Photography by Romain Coudrier
Story by Romain Coudrier and Melanie Meggs
In contemporary photography, some practitioners move beyond representation to engage with the core of human experience. Among them is emerging photographer Romain Coudrier, whose work reflects a commitment to visual storytelling and a sustained engagement with the photographic process.
Since his early twenties, capturing moments had become more than just a pastime — it had evolved into an inseparable part of his daily existence. While interning in various companies, Romain seized every opportunity to wander the streets alone. Whether it was a leisurely stroll to buy a baguette or a chance encounter on a quiet street corner, he believed that beauty could be found in even the most mundane of circumstances.
Romain began his photographic work during an immersive two-month stay in Nepal, where he documented the lives of street children. This experience marked his entry into documentary photography and resulted in his first long-term project, Coeurs Orphelins, completed in 2014.
His fascination with the urban landscape would later manifest in his project “Je n'aime plus Paris,” a personal reflection on a decade of life in the bustling capital, unveiled in 2022.
Despite his commitment to photography, Romain juggled his responsibilities at a media agency for several years alongside his creative pursuits. While the allure of photography eventually took hold of this self-taught artist, his professional expertise continues to infuse his work with a unique quality.
Reflecting on the value of formal education in the field, Romain emphasizes that a degree should not serve as a barrier or a prerequisite for pursuing photography seriously. “Obviously, having a degree in a field is always beneficial. But this should not become an excuse or a prerequisite which would condition a serious and ambitious practice of photography. The important thing is to be able to reinvest your personal and professional experience and to remain open to new lessons. Especially since photography today is no longer just about knowing how to use your camera, you have to know how to find opportunities, whether you like it or not, whether to earn a living or simply progress in your practice” explains Romain, for whom each exhibition and each project serves as a catalyst for meeting new people and refining his practice.
Romain echoes the sentiments of Belgian singer Jacques Brel, who famously dismissed the notion of inherent talent, asserting that true talent lies in the unwavering desire to pursue one’s dreams. In Romain’s view, success is not merely a product of innate ability but rather the result of relentless dedication and discipline. He subscribes to the belief that genuine artistry is born from a steadfast commitment to excellence and an unwavering passion for one's craft.
In spite of his efforts, participation in competitions, forums, and other photography platforms failed to provide the expected boost. Romain found himself amidst a slump, grappling with the prevailing sense that community building had overshadowed genuine passion for photography. Regardless of whether this perception was accurate or not, the disappointment lingered.
However, a serendipitous encounter at a small gallery in the seventeenth borough of Paris breathed new life into Romain’s artistic journey. Engaging in discussions with the gallery owner, these informal weekly meetings became a source of inspiration and rejuvenation for him. Whether it was admiring the play of light in an image or receiving feedback on his compositions, these interactions left an indelible mark on Romain’s creative process.
Although the gallery has since closed its doors, the connections forged within its walls remain etched in Romain’s memory. He acknowledges the profound impact of human connection on his work, drawing inspiration from chance encounters and everyday moments. Whether it’s a fleeting conversation in the office or a shared ride with a stranger while hitchhiking, Romain finds inspiration in the camaraderie of others. This innate curiosity about the world and its inhabitants permeates his photography, infusing even the most seemingly empty scenes with depth and meaning. While not every encounter may be captured on film, their essence is woven into the fabric of Romain’s pictures, enriching his artistic vision.
Romain recalls a transformative experience during an internship with a prestigious French magazine and gallery. Immersed in a world of visual storytelling, he found his artistic boundaries expanding. Amidst the captivating images that surrounded him, Romain felt his creative horizons broadening.
Immersed in this creative milieu, Romain underwent a “Pictorialism” phase, a period of exploration and experimentation. Armed with his camera, he delved into the intricacies of angles, framing, composition, and the subtle interplay of light and shadow. While Romain hesitated to label himself a disciple of these masters, their influence on his artistic sensibilities was undeniable. Their images, steeped in emotion and narrative, seeped into Romain’s psyche, shaping his evolving practice.
As time passed, Romain’s artistic journey took on new dimensions. It was as if every twist and turn had led him to this pivotal moment, where he stood poised to explore the depths of his own photographic vision.
The Bifröst series emerged from two weeks of work north of the Arctic Circle in 2023. In this environment, Romain Coudrier explored the connections between myth and contemporary life, creating a visual narrative that reflects his ongoing interest in movement and place. This body of work marks a continued evolution in his photographic journey, where every frame tells a story of exploration and wonder.
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Embarking on a journey to the rugged terrains of Norway, Romain Coudrier ventured beyond the Arctic Circle, weaving his way from the urban bustle of Tromsø in Troms and Finnmark County to the serene expanses of the Lofoten Islands in Nordland County, and back again. Along this captivating path, Romain captured the essence of the “Land of the Fjords,” revealing a landscape veiled in snow and mystery, where the sea meets the mountains in a symphony of contrasts. Amidst this breathtaking scenery, he discovered the allure of rare light and subtle shades, immortalizing each moment in striking black and white, evoking a sense of timeless beauty with every click of his camera shutter.
Romain meanders through the “film noir” setting with the curiosity of a newcomer. Gone are the typical postcard scenes of charming red wooden houses and the ethereal Northern Lights.
Captured on a 35mm camera, these photographs are often the result of a single, spontaneous exposure, reflecting Romain’s direct and intuitive approach. He adopts a process of walking without a fixed destination, allowing the environment to guide his movements. This method supports a form of engagement with the natural landscape, shaped by the cultural presence of Viking history and Nordic mythology.
As historians increasingly emphasize, the Vikings were not merely warriors but also adept merchants, a fact that Romain subtly nods to amidst Norway’s vast expanses. Despite traversing these remote locales, the pervasive influence of mass consumption is impossible to ignore, serving as a sobering reminder of the contemporary world.
Meanwhile, the presence of the locals themselves is ephemeral, their fleeting encounters leaving behind mere traces in the snow. It’s as if they've ventured off toward distant horizons, leaving behind a landscape ripe for exploration and contemplation.
Romain brings together the continuity of the landscape with the presence of its inhabitants and their passing moments. Bifröst functions as a bridge, creating a connection between different environments, each defined by its own context and sense of time.
The allure of black and white imagery has been a regular companion on his journey, but this is the first time that this has resulted in a formal project. With Bifröst, he meticulously crafts scenes with bold contrasts, rich textures, and a pronounced grain, all characteristic of this timeless aesthetic. For Romain, black and white isn’t merely a stylistic choice; it’s a deliberate means to move beyond boundaries and evoke a peculiar temporality unique to his vision.
This monochromatic palette serves as a tribute to the raw, frigid landscapes and the perpetual darkness that enveloped them. It captures the essence of an almost foreboding atmosphere, where silence reigns supreme. Reflecting on his process, Romain muses, “It’s curious, but in hindsight, black and white amplifies the silence that dominates these spaces. I’m fascinated by this idea of unexpected quietude, akin to hearing the distinct accent of a character in a novel. In “Bifröst,” I revel in the notion of embracing the silence.”
In Romain’s vision, black and white serves as a tool to strip away the vibrancy of consumerist moments, blending them into an almost primal ambiance despite modern trappings. It's akin to a seamless barrier of snowflakes traversing the series, bridging two disparate worlds.
The concept of a bridge, central to his project Bifröst, captivates Romain deeply. It serves as a structure connecting the region’s mythic landscapes with the daily lives of its often-overlooked inhabitants. In this work, he aligns timeless geographic forms with the transient presence of people. Using black and white photography, he introduces a sense of anachronism, aligning scenes of natural terrain with contemporary acts of consumption. Within these images, quiet references establish connections between different periods, inviting reflection on continuity and change.
Romain invites viewers to engage with the landscapes of Norway and explore aspects of human experience. He balances elements of myth and modernity, documenting Norway’s landscapes while reflecting on contemporary society.
As we close this chapter of Romain’s work, we recall the words of Belgian singer Jacques Brel, who stated that true talent arises not from innate ability but from the determination to pursue one’s goals. This principle is evident in Romain’s ongoing development, as he continues to expand his artistic vision one frame at a time.
Romain’s latest project, TMPC (2024 – ongoing), is a nine-month journey hitchhiking across Europe. This exploration departs from conventional tourism to capture an alternative view of the continent.
Simultaneously, the Dead Saloon project takes place in the landscape of Tabernas, Andalusia. In this work, Romain combines fashion and narrative within the context of the Spaghetti Western setting.
For more information on Romain Coudrier’s work, follow the links below and engage with his ongoing projects.
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author/s, and are not necessarily shared by The Pictorial List and the team.