"Wind into the Soul" Exhibition in Andrésy | May 17 - September 1, 2019

From May 17 to September 1, 2019, Muriel Pénicaud presents her new exhibition "Wind into the Soul" as part of the 22nd edition of Sculptures en l'île in Andrésy, France.

Photographers often seek to describe their perception of reality, to document the world, or to bear witness. Muriel Pénicaud's approach is different. Her images are doors, each one opening up the possibility of a narrative in the mind of the viewer. Whether or not this narrative relates to the reality of the situation photographed is irrelevant. What matters to her, as in her previous work on birds ("Wind under the Wings"), is the state of disbelief or astonishment provoked by the situation she photographs.

Whether these images were taken yesterday or today, here or elsewhere, it doesn't matter. These moments existed, they presented themselves to her, she captured them and transformed them into images in an attempt to understand and share their magic. In this new series devoted to women, she positions herself as a woman among women, determined not to give up anything, neither her uniqueness nor her freedom to think and act as such.

Her artistic commitment celebrates two timeless and universal feminine attributes: the women she honors, beyond age, culture, religion, and ideology, demonstrate their ability to exercise their freedom, autonomy, and sovereignty, rooted in the strength of their inner selves alone. It is thanks to this inner power that they can offer their presence to the world in an epic dimension and embody the desire for movement and freedom.

By identifying this strength in other women, she recognizes herself in them, while offering the "viewer"—whether child, adult, man, or woman—the gift of recognizing themselves in them as well, as irreplaceable custodians of all the mysteries of the world.

Pierre Bongiovanni, exhibition curator

Photography and writing are Muriel Pénicaud's two passions.