Charles Pétillon: Occupy the Air

Charles Pétillon (b. 1973) is a French artist known for his poetic installations and photographs featuring white balloons in unexpected places. His work evokes a quiet, contemplative atmosphere capturing fleeting moments and subtle contradictions in our environment. As Pétillon describes:

"Occupy the air is not to invade it, but to reveal it. The white balloons, like the fingers of my hand, point toward the elements of our daily lives that we no longer see: the forgotten space between things. They draw the gaze not to themselves, but to what they indicate. By placing these fragile presences, I occupy the air as one traces a gesture: to make the invisible visible, to remind us that to exist is also to open our eyes to what already surrounds us."

By placing balloon in deserted or natural settings, Pétillon highlights the often-overlooked relationship between humanity and its surroundings. His aim isn’t to explain, but to prompt awareness and shift perception. The balloons are metaphors, inviting us to see the familiar with fresh eyes.