Giant under the Rising Sun

This panoramic black-and-white photograph brings us face to face with the immensity of Mont Blanc de Cheilon. Dominating the Val d'Héremence and the Vallée des Dix, the mountain rises near the Val d'Hérens in the Valais Alps. At the center of the work, summit du Cheilon rises to an altitude of 3870 meters, while its neighbor, summit d'Hiver, peaks at 3827 meters. I was lucky enough to cross it on touring skis. I still have incredible memories of this impressive descent, between the crevasses that line its wall. And what can I say about the splendor of its hanging glaciers, which feed the Grande Dixence dam below.

This magnificent photograph immortalizes a rare moment. The moment when Mont Blanc de Cheilon appears completely plastered with snow after a storm. For a long time, I've been waiting for that magical moment when it would reveal itself like a Himalayan giant offering its immaculate north face to the rising sun. By dint of contemplating it, I became imbued with its geometry. Its interlocking faces reflect the light in such a special way. Like a cut diamond sparkling with light. A mesmerizing mountain. In its honor, I chose silver hues that reveal its forms. The beauty of its rock and seracs. Like a journey to infinity, our gaze constantly discovers new riches.

When I first came to Switzerland, a long time ago now, I went to the Cabane des Dix and contemplated it. Mont Blanc de Cheilon in all its grandeur. At that precise moment, I understood what my destiny would be. I felt deep inside me the eternal beauty of the high mountains. Faced with him, I now knew what my mission was. To become a mountain photographer. To put my art at the service of nature. To pass on the heritage of the world above, and preserve the splendor of a celestial realm prey to human folly.