OCEAN ENERGY I
Var, South of France, 4th August 2020
This series of photographs was taken in the swell last summer, the day after a cold and violent wind known as the "mistral" ("masterly"), had relented after an episode lasting for several days.
The mistral is a funnel wind that originates when the flow of air between the Atlantic coast of France (Bay of Biscay) and the Mediterranean coast (Gulf of Genoa) draws in a current of cold air from the North which is accelerated as it travels down the Rhône Valley, before taking a westerly turn into the Provence-Côte d'Azur region where it blows at speeds of up to 185 km/h (though generally averaging 100-120 km/h) for days at a time.
Despite its fierceness, it brings much needed relief from the relentless summer heat, leaving the air characteristically fresh and clear with great visibility.
Under the surface, however, the visibility was very poor and the sea was swarming with scores of purple jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca), brought in by the currents created by the strong wind. I didn't get stung on this occasion, I don't know how!
This turbulent series is different in style from my previous work, which focused exclusively upon the most gentle and peaceful flows. Yet, I find a sort of suspended peace and calm even here.
* In strict geographical terms, the Mediterranean is a sea, so the title involves poetic licence :-) *
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