Interview: Seizing the Human Form in Poetic Movement via Gravity-Defying Photography
Title: Challenging Gravity: The Motion and Levitation Photography of Mathieu Forget
In the realm of photography, seizing movement in its most vibrant and authentic form presents a challenge that only a select few artists can truly conquer. However, Paris-based photographer, dancer, and performance artist Mathieu Forget has carved out a niche by doing just that. Employing a distinctive technique characterized by defying gravity, Forget captures athletes, dancers, and performers in the midst of action, turning fleeting moments into lasting masterpieces.
Forget’s artistry merges the realms of athleticism and visual narrative. His photographs serve as dynamic compositions, filled with what he describes as “the energy, freedom, and limitless potential” of movement. From fencers poised mid-lunge to dancers who appear to hover effortlessly, his subjects seem to transcend the force of gravity. The outcome is so evocative and expertly crafted, it prompts viewers to pause and ponder: how is this even achievable?
A Diverse Artistic Path
Mathieu Forget’s artistic approach is profoundly multidisciplinary. His creative journey commenced with dance in his teenage years, evolving as he delved into music, acting, and ultimately photography while pursuing studies in the United States. Dance specifically provided a foundation for grasping bodily movement and its optimal composition in space—a skill that vividly translates into his photographic work.
“My technique has evolved by merging various disciplines—photography, performance, and digital artistry—to forge a distinct visual language focused on movement and levitation,” Forget clarifies. The outcome is an unparalleled capacity to depict action not merely as a physical occurrence but as a narrative expressed through form, illumination, and structure.
The Enchantment of Movement and Levitation
To bring his gravity-defying visuals to life, Forget fuses rigorous physical training, impeccable timing, and a profound technical understanding of photography. “The process entails a blend of physical prowess, exact timing, and photographic techniques,” he remarks. By utilizing impactful natural and artificial lighting, intentional framing, and unconventional camera perspectives, he amplifies the visual illusion of a suspended reality.
What distinguishes Forget is not solely his technical expertise, but also his ability to elicit emotion and narrate a story. His background in dance and performance art offers a more sophisticated lens through which the action is perceived. The figures within his photographs aren’t just subjects in motion—they are characters immersed in moments of transformation.
Athleticism in Flight: A Tribute to Grace
Perhaps the most ambitious embodiment of Forget’s artistic vision is his recent initiative, Sport in the Air. Created in partnership with the 2024 Paris Olympics, this project visually celebrates the elegance and artistry inherent in athletic performance. In this series, Forget immortalizes athletes from diverse sports at the pinnacle of their actions—leaping, twisting, serving, or flipping—delivering a striking homage to both sport and art.
“The concept arose from my admiration for athleticism and the extraordinary ways athletes conquer gravity in their performances,” Forget explains. “I aimed to illuminate the beauty, strength, and grace of sports through the perspective of levitation.” Ultimately, the series nurtures a connection between performer and athlete, framing sports as more than mere competition—a form of art in itself.
Highlights from a Landmark Year
In addition to Sport in the Air, the years 2023 and 2024 have proven transformative for Forget. From collaborations with brands like Porsche, Prada, and Lacoste to personal ventures such as a 3D sculpture installation of his own levitating body, his portfolio shines with diversity and imagination. One notable project took him to Antarctica, where the stark, captivating landscapes provided the ideal backdrop for new levitation imagery.
A Message of Potential and Inspiration
Central to Forget’s work lies more than just visual innovation—it conveys a message of self-exploration, freedom, and hope. “I aspire for my work to motivate individuals to view movement and the world from a fresh perspective—not just as a physical manifestation but as a metaphor for potential, liberty, and self-expression,” he states.
Viewers are not only invited to admire the beauty of these physical feats but also to reflect on how we all traverse the world—rooted, yet in a constant state of motion. Through the illusion of weightlessness, Forget encourages us to dream, to envision ourselves released from limitations, navigating the poetic space between earth and sky.
Where to Discover More
Mathieu Forget’s complete collection of sport photography can be found in his new book Sport in the Air, and a broader selection of his work is available on his official website and Instagram.
Explore:
– Website: https://forgetmat.com/
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgetmat/
– Book: Sport in the Air – https://forgetmatshop.com/products/sport-in-the-air-book
In a perpetually moving world, Mathieu Forget reveals that stillness can, paradoxically, be the truest means of perceiving movement. Through his lens, each leap transforms into a symbol—and every photograph captures a poetic pause in life’s dance.