Wrapped Arc de Triomphe by Christo – Blue Hour Photography Tribute
Blue Hour Photography and Tribute to a Monumental Installation
A legendary landmark transformed into an ephemeral artwork. Through photographs taken at blue hour, Sebastien Desnoulez pays tribute to the monumental installation by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, blending contemporary art and urban poetry.
The wrapping of the Arc de Triomphe by Christo and Jeanne-Claude in September 2021 was both a spectacular and unexpected artistic event. This iconic Parisian monument, fully covered with 25,000 m² of silvery fabric held in place by 3,000 meters of red rope, temporarily changed its appearance to become an artwork in itself. See more iconic photos of Paris
This posthumous project, long imagined by Christo, transformed the urban space and offered a new perspective on the monument. It was also a unique photographic opportunity, especially during blue hour, when the twilight sky creates a striking contrast with the city’s materials and lights.
It was under these conditions that I captured what I consider to be my best photograph of the year: a long exposure combining headlight trails, ghostly reflections on bus windows, and the Arc de Triomphe illuminated against a deep blue sky.
I also explored this installation from various angles and atmospheres: from below, in graphic black and white, at dawn, or by capturing the details of the textures and red ropes—as a way to extend the homage to this unique artistic gesture.
To learn more about this monumental project, visit the dedicated page on the official website of Christo and Jeanne-Claude.
Author: Sebastien Desnoulez is a professional photographer specializing in architectural and landscape photography. He documents urban transformations with a sensitive eye, blending light, composition, and temporality. Learn more.
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All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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