This photograph comes from the very poetic black and white series that Laurent Baheux devoted entirely to the endangered species of the animal kingdom. The widely diverse African fauna is showcased here by a surprising play of light and shade. By capturing these animals at their own level, in a place that is almost entirely devoted to them, the artist imbues his subjects with real presence and reveals all of their nobility.Beyond a personal and initiatory approach, the photographer proves himself to be a dedicated artistic and environmental activist. Sensitive to and admirative of the beauty and power of the animals he pays hommage to, Laurent Baheux also expresses their innocence and great vulnerabilty, thus composing a visual paradox. The photographer would like to impress upon our gaze the dignity of these animals who continue to reign supreme on the African continent but whose survival is now threatened: “Everywhere that humankind progresses, nature regresses.”

**The artist: Laurent Baheux**

Laurent Baheux was attracted to journalism and editing at first, rapidly discovering a passion for photography and becoming a self-taught photographer. His devoted practice and his knowledge of the sporting world opened the doors to the top press photography agencies. From then on, he covered the main international competitions and channelled his energy towards conditions of speed and extreme demand. He has always been fascinated by Africa. From 2002, during a visit to Tanzania, he began private work on the wild fauna, its beauty, strength, roughness and great fragility. He chose black and white, with its play on shadow, light and contrast, to immortalise rare and ephemeral scenes of nature, constantly trying to sublimate the animals, to capture the magnificence of their attitudes, the emotion of their look? Through this authentic quest, Laurent wants to show the vividness of these species which are still alive, but more menaced than ever, and the immense richness that they represent for the planet. In the continuity of his photographic commitment, he accompanies and supports the deeds of organisations which work for the protection of nature and the preservation of biodiversity. He is also the author of Land of lions, a sensitive and moving work in black and white, like an ode to wild life...