Step into the world of Joachim Beauvilain and discover his latest series of photographs and the inspiration behind them.
What is your newest series?
Three series of photographs will soon be published on Singulart: the first evokes my recent trip to Mongolia, with stunning landscapes, and I’ve named it “In the Land of the Great Khan.” The second explores my relationship with death, which has profoundly changed since the tragic loss of one of my sons in 2021. It depicts death through the lens of animals, and I’ve titled it “Qui mortui sunt te salutant,” in reference to the famous salute of gladiators before Roman emperors. Finally, the third is very personal and diverges from my usual photographic work. During COVID-19, I explored photomontage with wildlife photography, and this series, named “World Wild War,” helped me manage my grief and anger after losing my youngest son. I have many other projects in the works. I love having projects and looking ahead.
What was or is the inspiration or concept behind this new series?
Mainly, my new perspective on life and its inevitable counterpart: death. But with a contemplative, questioning, and open outlook. How to appreciate what we have, the fortune of being alive, and accept that everything will end one day without being afraid of it.
What’s the message behind your new series?
Whatever reality you’re living, observe it, capture it, and give it the color and flavor you desire.
What’s your personal highlight of the series?
Clearly, the moment I found myself photographing that horse carcass in the middle of the Mongolian steppe. I was fascinated by the perspective, yet at the same time, frightened by this magnificent animal being consumed by scavengers and time. Mongolia—what an incredible journey!
Moreover, is there a particular piece in the series that you’re most fond of? Why?
The photomontage I called “The Fall” is my most personal work; it reflects how I tried to tame the images of my child’s accident in my mind.
If you encountered any challenges during the creation of this series, how did you manage to tackle and overcome them?
I rarely run out of inspiration, but sometimes certain works strike deeply at my inner pains and joys. I try to live in the present moment of creation and keep looking ahead.
How would you recommend a visitor to experience your creation?
Be open to the world. Let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the image, and find your own meaning in it.
What kind of engagement or interaction do you hope to have with your audience?
Simply, the communion around the beauty of the world in all its facets.
What’s next for you? Are you already working on a new series or project?
My approach is simple when I have a camera in hand: I see what the photo will look like once I’ve processed it my way. That’s how it is. I can tell whether a photo should be in black and white, or have a specific tone, or a particular lighting, as soon as I take it, even if my camera doesn’t immediately capture the image I envisioned. I take my time developing it digitally using my own methods and arrangements. I love the on-the-ground aspect of shooting, and the more relaxed process of sitting behind my screen, searching for the image I had in my mind at the moment I took it and watching it gradually come to life—just like when I was a child. It’s a game I never tire of.
Singulart Insight
Joachim Beauvilain’s latest photographic series captures his journeys, profound experiences, and a meditative look at life and death. His passion for visual storytelling began in childhood, inspired by a love of images. With over 25 years of experience, he captures the world’s raw and often harsh beauty. From Mongolia’s breathtaking landscapes to deeply personal compositions, his work invites viewers to pause and reflect. His art engages both the eyes and the soul, seeking a connection beyond the ordinary. He urges viewers to embrace and appreciate life’s fleeting moments through a new lens of understanding.
