Blue was first used as a pigment for decorative arts around 2,200 BC by the Egyptians, who harnessed the semi-precious stone, Lapis Lazuli, to produce a calcium copper silicate. Blue has since had a rich history in art, culture and design across the world, from Picasso’s “blue period” to Yves Klein’s “International Klein Blue” and beyond. In 2020, Pantone named “Classic Blue” as its Colour of the Year, a shade “evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky, opening a world of possibilities.” Parisian photographer Laura Bonnefous experiments with unique visual codes, where colour can be a source of abstraction, inspiration and calm simultaneously. Rolled paint, spilt ink, socks and curtains are manifestations of play, allure and experimentation. Bonnefous has won numerous awards, including being listed in Artpil’s 30 Women Photographers under 30 in 2015, alongside the likes of Magnum photographer Diana Markosian.
Images:
1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10: The Blue Epic. Photographer: Laura Bonnefous. Collaboration: Air Brigitte & Hugo Matha. Stylist: Fernando Damasceno. Make up: Laura Merle. Retouch: Processus. Model: Hawa Magassa. Assistant: Maud Lecompte.
2: Project Blue Ink. Photographer: Laura Bonnefous. Collaboration: Stylist France. Hair: Nina Olivet. Make up: Mademoiselle Mu. Retouch: Ophélie Bertrand / Granon Digital. Model: Camille. Assistant: Lisa Raio.
4 & 6: Sand Flower. Photographer: Laura Bonnefous. Stylist: Stephanie Brissay. Hair: Nina Olivet. Make up: Laura Merle. Retouch: Processus. Model: Andy Andenok. Assistant: Maud Lecompte & Clara Girbal.
5: Failles. Photographer: Laura Bonnefous. Retouch: Ophélie Bertrand.
