This series by French photographer Thierry Cohen reminds viewers of a childhood pleasure that has grown impossible in today’s modern megacities. Who hasn’t lifted their eyes in vain to the skies over Paris, New York, Shanghai and Tokyo, trying to make out the panorama of heavenly bodies? Cohen found a way to turn off the lights of the world’s major cities and return them to the cosmos. According to the photographer, the loss of a star-filled sky, accelerated by rapid population growth in cities, will lead to citizens who “no longer remember or understand nature.” These somewhat apocalyptic cityscapes were created by altering the contrast, shadows and reflections of the images. The canopy of distant stars and planets they reveal rekindles our dreams and our desire to escape.

Jonas Cuénin

Book :
Thierry Cohen, Villes Eteintes
Marval Edition (Vilo Groupe, novembre 2012)
35 euros
ISBN : 978-2862344409

Future Exhibition :
Thierry Cohen, Villes Eteintes
From March 28th to May 3rd, 2013
Danziger Gallery
527 W 23rd St
New York, NY 10011
USA
(212) 629-6778