Marilyn
Sophie Hatier
Sophie Hatier showcases a series of portraits featuring residents of the "Equestrian Academy of Versaillles" run by Bartabas.
Lacking colour and contrast, the images are instead like monochromes invoking multi-layered interpretations. Observers instinctively recognise the elegance, temperament, passion, kindness, sovereignty, individuality and character of the horse. A sense of grace and mystery also prevails. The images convey a certain autonomy, the unbroken will of the animal, its freedom enshrined even in this narrow visual field and against the geometric background of a Versailles stone wall, all but camouflaging the horse with its matching colour.
The radiant silky coat is white, much like the Camarillo white (referring to a specific breed). It also appears in pure white, ivory and grey white. Alongside cremello, perlino, beige or palomino, sometimes with a golden glow that is brilliant, luminous, ethereal. The monochrome penetrates deep and evokes a heavenly blonde by the name of "Marilyn".
text by CDI, 2017 / English translation by Claire Weyland