L'Academie equestre de Versailles

Description

The refinement of equestrian art meets Koto Bolofo's photography to create a rare work of majestic grace In a similar fashion to his Hermes project, renowned fashion photographer Koto Bolofo (born 1959) moved in backstage at the Versailles Equestrian Academy where the legendary horse trainer, film producer and impresario Bartabas introduced him to the exceptional riders of the royal stables. This opportunity to witness at close quarters the teaching of unique riding techniques (as well as the teaching of other disciplines such as fencing, legends, dance and singing) allowed the photographer to capture some extraordinary images of the equestrian arts. His black-and-white prints, his focus on surface and texture (such as leather, wood and horsehair), on the architectural qualities of the majestic setting, on costumes and the special attention paid to portraiture, create timeless images of an abiding quest for perfection.

Koto Bolofo's film work has garnered several awards and featured at a variety of festivals, including the Berlin International Film Festival, the BBC British Short Film Festival, Amnesty International Film Festival, London Film Festival, Venice International Film Festival, Cambridge Film Festival and Cape Town International Film Festival. Along with his short films, Koto Bolofo has shot for many prestigious international magazines and journals. He has also published three books: Racing Style, Sibusiso Mbhele and his Fish Helicopter and Venus Williams. Bartabas is the performing name of the French horse trainer, film producer and impresario Clement Marty. In 1998, he founded the equestrian performing show, Zingaro, which means 'Gypsy'. In 2002, he founded the Academie du Spectacle Equestre (Academy of Equestrian Arts) in the Grande Ecurie of the Palace of Versailles.