Interview de Sonia Mathey et Philippe Lanson

The Artists Behind "Post-Scriptum History"

Introduction
Lénon B: Hello Sonia, hello Philippe. Thank you for welcoming me for this interview. I first discovered you at SIAC in Marseille last March and have since enjoyed reconnecting at several other art events. You are a passionate duo fascinated by history, art, and architecture, and your project "Post-Scriptum History" seems to be a visual tribute to these passions. To begin, can you explain how the idea of blending photography with the exploration of forgotten places came about?

The Genesis of the Project
Sonia Mathey: Hello Lénon, thank you for having us. The idea grew naturally, I would say. Even before we met, Philippe and I were both captivated by history and the traces it leaves behind. We pursued studies related to these disciplines, allowing us to explore and discover places that few people know or visit. Over time, the idea of capturing the beauty of these forgotten spots became a priority for us. Photography became our means to share this unique aesthetic and to breathe life, if only for the moment of an image, into these locations.

Philippe Lanson: Exactly. This project emerged from our desire to preserve and enhance heritage, particularly that which is in decline. Photography allows us to freeze these places in time, restoring their dignity and ensuring we remember those who created them, be they artists, architects, or artisans.

A Commitment to Memory
Lénon B: You describe your work as a memory approach. Can you elaborate on this?

Sonia Mathey: We consider our photographic approach as a duty of memory. Each shot documents these places, telling their story, their past grandeur, and their decline. It's a way to combat forgetfulness. We are aware that some of these spots may not exist tomorrow, so we want to leave a trace, a sort of visual testimony of what was.

Philippe Lanson: It’s also a way to celebrate these places one last time. The beauty, as we perceive it, often lies in contrasts: a peeling wall, an abandoned car, a greenhouse overtaken by vegetation. These are scenes that tell a story about the passage of time and nature reclaiming its space. Thales once said that “time brings everything to light,” and that’s exactly what we aim to capture in our photographs.

The Role of Light
Lénon B: You frequently mention light as a central element of your work. How do you use it to highlight these places?

Philippe Lanson: Light is essential for us. It conveys emotion and brings our images to life. Sometimes, we wait hours for the light to be perfect, to settle on a subject like in a chiaroscuro painting. It reveals details, accentuates contrasts, and gives an almost timeless dimension to our photos. It’s as if the light itself narrates the story of the place.

Sonia Mathey: Yes, exactly. Light allows us to reveal the essence of these locations. When we arrive, we merely discover what’s already there. We don’t invent anything; we don’t stage any situations. The places themselves, with their history and light, dictate how we photograph them.

A Continual Quest
Lénon B: You explore France and the world in search of these hidden treasures. What drives you to continue after ten years of adventures?

Sonia Mathey: It’s the desire to discover again and again. Each place has a unique story to tell, and this quest for novelty, this desire to capture fragments of history that few have seen, drives us forward. Photography allows us to share these discoveries with the world, showing that beauty can be found in unexpected places.

Philippe Lanson: There’s also a challenge in finding the quintessence of these forgotten places. We never know what we’ll discover or how we’ll feel when we arrive. That element of the unknown, this constant adventure, makes our work so exciting.

Conclusion
Lénon B: Your passion is truly palpable. Thank you very much, Sonia and Philippe, for this enriching conversation. I am certain that your work will continue to inspire and touch many people. For those who wish to discover your works, where can they find them?

Sonia Mathey: Thank you, Lénon, for this exchange. You can find our works on our website as well as on our Instagram page.

We regularly share our new discoveries and creations on these platforms.

Philippe Lanson: It was a pleasure to share our passion with you and your readers. We hope our work continues to inspire and raise awareness about the importance of preserving these historic places.