Charbon blanc

The Maurienne mountains are marked by ambiguities, contradictions and oppositions. Known as “the valley of aluminium”, space is controlled and exploited. The Arc torrent was conducive to the development of the aluminium industry thanks to its ability to supply the factories with hydroelectricity. 

From the numerous factories that were once scattered along the Arc River during the 20th century, only one is remaining, bordered by a motorway – one of the only in the Alps – and soon by a high-speed train line, rocked however by various scandals linked to suspicions of corruption and environmental damage. 

Even if a few winter sports resorts dot the summits, most of the space in the Maurienne Valley is uninhabitable, thus corresponding to the romantic image of a pure and sublime nature.

For me, it was firstly a question of physically experiencing the landscape. Being in the mountains, walking and breathing. It was like walking through the uninhabitable, something that can only be experienced on foot, close to the topography, immersed in the landscape.
These two parts of the work are like two layers that are added and mixed, like a reconnaissance walk of the territory, to know every corner of it.

Téo Becher
Translation: Louise Jablonowska

Téo Becher's portfolio has been selected by the Jury of the “Propositions d’artistes” competition 2020. 

Website: www.teobecher.be

 © Téo Becher, sans titre, serie Charbon blanc, 2017, 80 x 65 cm / © Téo Becher, sans titre, serie Charbon blanc, 2016, 80 x 65 cm / © Téo Becher, sans titre, serie Charbon blanc, 2018, 80 x 65 cm