A certainty is lodged in Olivier Meriel's heart and his photographic eye unveils it: the world is much more than it is willing to show us. Pure photography, with no trickery, digs away at living matter like an alchemist. A questioning that is nourishing in its slowness, like a long walk. Saturated mineral silver, carbon from the abyss. Between them, man is conscious of being the lone bearer of this enigmatic heritage which leads him to bear fitness. An outdoor life has highlighted the omnipotence of the sky. More recently, Olivier Meriel has withdrawn into the fortress of human hearts, within walls. (Vincent Hamel)