Noemie Goudal's doorways to another world

London-based, French photographer Noemie Goudal’s photographs toy with the boundary between dreams and reality. Her final images capture original installations - large-scale photographs of parallel environments hanging on the walls of bleak, dilapidated barns, buildings or sheds, appearing as doorways to what seem like unreachable lands.

Goudal moved to London when she was 19 and studied at Central St Martin’s where she graduated in Graphic Design. Her decision to pursue photography has served her well and she has exhibited internationally in solo and group shows including at Kahman Gallery, Amsterdam (2010), Cob Gallery, London (2011) and is currently showing her most recent work in the group show ‘Ristruttura’ (until March 30) at ProjectB Gallery, Milan.

Noemie Goudal, Haven her body was / Warren (2011), Lightjet, 168 x 208 cm

The juxtaposition of the two binary elements in her work – the idyllic landscape and the surrounding neglected architecture, exaggerates the perfection of the landscape and makes the urge to venture into it all the more compelling.

Goudal is keen to remind the viewer that her photographers are ‘hand-made’, thus dragging us from a complete submersion into our dreams. “The picture is made from a constructed set, which is made from ‘real’ elements," she says. "I leave all the details that show this construction on the picture, which I hope can help the viewer ‘recognise’ a familiar place and familiar objects. Because of this, I believe that it is easier for the viewer to build their own narrative.”

Noemie Goudal, Wind (2008), Colour Photograph, 111 x 140 cm

2012 is set to be a big year for Goudal. As well as her current exhibition at ProjectB Gallery in Milan, she has already started working on a show at Edel Assanti Gallery in London. Goudal is also working on a project for the Corinthia Hotel in London where she has been awarded artist in residence.

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