Timothée B.

Independent photographer, I collaborate with journalists to illustrate investigations and articles. Whether in local, national, or international press.

My work as a field photographer takes me to meet societal, political, social, or environmental events.

In July 2021, Gironde experienced what would be described as the largest wildfire of the 21st century in France. Between Landiras, La-Teste-de-Buch, and Saumos, over 30,000 hectares of forest were consumed in a few days. Days during which all of France watched, powerless, as this territory burned. During these fires, 50,000 people were evacuated and no victims were reported. About thirty buildings and five campsites were ravaged by the fires. After the reckoning, what are the long-term traces of the fire in these landscapes?

These fires were exceptional in their scale and duration, but it is feared they may recur due to climate change.

Nearly two years later, the devastated forests have given way to expanses of heathland. A few pines and trees browned by the fire remain; the landscape now bears only subtle scars of these fires. While the forest is undeniably reclaiming its rights, it will take several decades for the devastated forests to regain their appearance from the day before July 12, 2022.

Through this initial photographic inventory, Timothée Buisson and Antoine Mounier created a series of portraits, offering a look at the diversity of practices and cyclists who travel the metropolis. For consistency, all this work was done by bike. For several weeks, flash stands and audio recorders were carried on the front of the cargo bike.

These cyclists, photographed during their activity, share the reasons that drive them to pedal every day. Beyond daily commutes, cycling also allows for community engagement. It is therefore within their associations that Timothée and Antoine went to photograph these individuals.

The associations involved in this inventory project—Vélo-Cité, Cycles & Manivelles, Etu'Recup, Léon à Vélo, Le Garage Moderne, and Recup'r—support cyclists in their daily commutes within the Metropolis through various projects.

Most of these associations host self-repair workshops to maintain one's bike. These workshops are a source of pride, learning, and autonomy, and they also provide opportunities for meeting and sharing knowledge. In these workshops, spare parts from collected bikes are reused to extend the lifespan of discarded bikes and those of members.

The "bike school" teaches adults to ride or relearn how to cycle; there is also the "Savoir Rouler À Vélo" program, which gives children their first keys to cycling.

This exhibition takes the form of a manifesto, giving voice to all these people who cycle through the city. These testimonials reveal the story that led them to become cyclists and are intended to be the spark that ignites the passion in those who have not yet taken the plunge, but now know who to turn to.