French photographer Thierry Cohen is inviting visitors to dive into the mysteries of the night with his latest exhibition "Carbon Catchers," currently on display at the Maison de la Nature du Plan in La Garde. The exhibition, which runs until March 29, 2026, offers a poetic and insightful journey into the heart of forests, the world's "lungs" that Cohen illuminates with a singular light: that of the stars.
Cohen, who gained international recognition for his "Darkened Cities" series where major metropolises were reimagined with pure skies free from light pollution, continues his reflection on our relationship with the night through this new body of work. The exhibition features twenty-one large-format photographs that restore the fragile clarity of preserved nature. Trees, ponds, and plant silhouettes seem to breathe in cosmic silence, inhabited by a halo of stars reconstructed with astronomical precision.
Through this patient and committed work, the artist reminds viewers how much darkness, far from being empty, serves as a refuge for living beings. The "Carbon Catchers" exhibition denounces the progressive disappearance of the night sky and the impact of artificial light on ecosystems. Simultaneously, it celebrates the essential role of forests in carbon dioxide capture, connecting the beauty of the world to climate urgency.
To enhance the sensory experience, Cohen collaborated with Scottish composers Bethan and Robert Kellough, who created an original soundtrack that plays throughout the exhibition space. A documentary film also traces the genesis of the project, showing the artist at work in these nocturnal landscapes. The film provides visitors with insight into Cohen's creative process and the technical challenges of photographing in complete darkness.
The Var Department is supporting this exhibition with a series of special events including conferences, guided tours, artistic workshops, and meet-and-greets with the photographer. These complementary programs aim to deepen visitors' understanding of both the artistic and environmental messages conveyed through Cohen's work. The exhibition is open to the public free of charge from Tuesday to Sunday, making this immersive experience accessible to all who wish to explore the intersection of art, nature, and environmental consciousness.
