Delphine Balley – Charivari, 2016

Working with family, friends and local residents, Delphine Balley uses photography and video to construct stories, both personal and collective, that question our relationship with reality and belief. Through carefully staged mise-en-scènes, the artist’s work explores strange, unknown and sometimes disturbing territory. Shot on the winter solstice, when the moon is full, Delphine Balley’s video Charivari is based on the ageold ritual of a masquerade. Her dreamlike images are inspired by carnival — when the established order is overturned and codes are reversed. In an atmosphere of discordant sounds and dreamlike images, Delphine Balley’s work conjures up rituals of protection reminiscent of ancient sacrifices and ceremonies.