When the mist allows the first rays of light to appear on the ridges, time seems to take on a new meaning in the mountain. Silent and contemplative, the mountain testifies to an endless and lost way of life.
Valserine vale is in the “Massif du Jura” (Jura Massif) in France, about 30 km from Geneva (Switzerland). Geneva is an economic, social and industrial pole which is in full expansion. Yet, the vale’s dynamics is way different. Since 18th century, population is declining, like in “Chézery-Forens” were the population dropped from 1812 to 461 inhabitants between 1793 and 2014. One of the reasons of this demographic situation seems to be the presence of the “Haut Jura” ’s national park mountain range, thus creating an opaque buffer between the valley and the rest of the territory. A large part of the population are cross border workers who use the valley as a passageway.
Beyond the representation of an economic and demographic aspect of a territory, these photographs convey a contemplative and distant gaze on a timeless place.
Camille Groscarret (1999, Paris ) studied at the CEPV photography school in Switzerland. He is a member of the Collectif Nouveau Document. He is also a camera assistant in the film industry.
In his documentary work, he pays particular attention to the notion of the identity of space and the impact of humans in it. he is also interested in the nuances and transitions brought about by the juxtaposition of territories of different natures. he seeks to infuse his images with a silent atmosphere.
© text and pictures by Camille Groscarret
