Mistral
About the Artist
Rachel Cobb, born in Texas, based in New York City, has photographed current affairs and social issues as well as long-term documentary and fine art projects for 30 years. Formerly a contributing photographer to The New York Times, she has been widely published in magazines such as The New Yorker, Time, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, National Geographic Adventure, Rolling Stone, Stern and on assignments that took her to countries such as Iraq, Israel, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Kosovo, Guatemala, Mexico, Cuba, across the U.S.
Cobb’s work has earned her recognition with Picture of the Year awards for her work during the 9/11 attacks in New York City and in war-torn Sarajevo, a nomination for the ICP Infinity Award for young photographer, a Marty Forscher Grant for Humanistic Photography for documenting New York City’s homeless, Prix de la Photographie de Paris awards, American Photography and International Photography Awards. She has exhibited her work in solo and group shows in museums and galleries across the U.S. and in France.
Rachel Cobb’s 20-year project culminated in a book, Mistral: The Legendary Wind of Provence, published by DAMIANI in November 2018, as well as a series of exhibitions in 2018 – 2022.
Mistral is my 20-year project photographing the effects of France’s legendary wind that funnels down the Rhône River Valley between the Alps and Massif Central mountains, blowing as often as 200 days a year, sometimes reaching hurricane strength. It is not just a weather phenomenon, it is an integral part of Provençal life, honing the landscape, influencing the architecture and agriculture, and shaping the character of the inhabitants. It slams doors, lifts roof tiles, steals fruit from trees. It’s a gremlin wreaking havoc – everywhere, yet always unseen. As long as there have been inhabitants in Provence, they have endured the mistral. I explore what it is to live in its path.
My work takes place where an invisible force becomes visible through what it touches. How to render movement in a still object in a way the viewer will feel it – that has been my principal conundrum since I began this project. These prints on silk, that move in the breeze, connect you not only to Provence’s famous wind but also to her heritage of silk-making.
— Rachel Cobb
