Openfolio #6

Matthieu Cauchy

Laureate

Silence Pétanque Club

His photographic practice falls within the realm of documentary photography, which he views as a means of connection. The closeness and intimacy he establishes with his subjects allow him to observe, gather, and tell their stories. Through them, he seeks to better understand the society in which we live. This approach has been refined through the diverse range of documentary projects he has undertaken in recent years.

With Silence Pétanque Club , shot right outside his home in Brussels, he focuses on depicting a social space through its rituals, objects, and patrons, emphasizing the repetition and variations of everyday life. The square format and color scheme reinforce the intimate, enclosed nature and the down-to-earth character of this space. This attention to detail extends into See Martha Again , a project spanning more than ten years, in which the photographic relationship becomes a shared ritual, blending contemporary images with archival material, and exploring memory, family, and the end of life. In fact, memory is the central theme of the project I Serve , a behind-the-scenes look at France's last remaining active chapel boat.

At the same time, he is developing collaborative and co-creative practices, placing the subjects back at the center of his image-making. These explorations culminate in O bscura Machine , a traveling project that combines creation, outreach, and on-site performances.

Image
Silence © Matthieu Cauchy