SHADOW PLAY

Hélène Binet's latest show at Euroluce casts new light on iconic pieces of architecture

- VICKY RICHARDSON

Hélène Binet is best known as a photographer of architecture, but she could also be described as a philosopher of light. A new exhibition at Euroluce celebrates the return of the world’s largest fair dedicated to the design of natural and artificial light. It is the chance to see photographs from Binet’s remarkable career, as well as a series of new images that mark a turn towards a freer and more playful way of working with light.

Since the 1980s, Binet has captured some of the most iconic images of architecture. Imposing strict limits on her approach by working in black and white, and only using analogue techniques, her images heightened the drama and power of buildings that defined the late 20th century. Her career developed in parallel to that of clients and collaborators such as Zaha Hadid, Peter Zumthor and Daniel Libeskind. Over time, she has formed relationships of mutual respect with the many leading architects who have turned to her to interpret their work.

‘Hélène Binet: Nature, Time and Architecture’ is curated and designed by architect Massimo Curzi and will be shown as part of the cultural programme of Euroluce, the multidisciplinary lighting fair that runs alongside Salone del Mobile. It promises to be visually stunning: from the outside, a purpose-built gallery will appear as a pristine box covered with brushed aluminium, while inside, Binet’s dramatic photographs, many of them hand-printed, will be hung on a soft background of midnight blue felt, creating a muffled acoustic environment. As visitors walk into the space, the first work to appear will be a large new print featuring a building by Peter Zumthor. ‘It will be like a beam of light as you enter,’ explains Binet.