Chantal: An Exploration of Memory & Photography by Valentin Fougeray

Photography, in its essence, is a powerful medium that can capture moments in time, preserving them forever. But what happens when the memory linked to those captured moments begins to fade, when the contours of memories become blurry? This is the question that French photographer Valentin Fougeray explores in his evocative series, “Chantal”.

Named after Valentin’s paternal grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, the “Chantal” series delves into the complex relationship between photography, memory and truth. It seeks to understand the abstract and imperfect representation of experiences that make up our memories.

This series confronts the reality of fading memories, beautifully representing them as fuzzy shapes with multiple colors. Valentin uses the concept of retinal persistence, where outlines are gradually fading, to illustrate the erosion of memory in Alzheimer’s patients. The images evoke a sense of loss, but also a certain beauty in the abstraction of recollections.

In the “Chantal” series, Valentin has created a poignant tribute to his grandmother and all those whose memories and images of the past have gradually faded away.

More photography inspiration Valentin’s website