Impressionism was a revolutionary artistic movement born in France at the end of the 19th century, characterized by an innovative approach to painting that transformed the artistic landscape.

The Impressionists, including Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, were distinguished by their desire to capture the fleeting essence of everyday moments through the use of rapid brushstrokes and vivid colors.

Rejecting academic conventions and the rigid structures of traditional compositions, these artists often painted en plein air (outdoors) to better render the variations of natural light and atmosphere, this outdoor painting immediately made me think of how this form for Cavet today turned into the shooting of her photos.

The name 'Impressionism' derives from the title of Monet's painting, 'Impression, Soleil Levant' (1872), which initially provoked criticism but became the symbol of a new artistic vision. The Impressionists sought to represent reality not as a static image, but as a dynamic and ever-changing visual experience

Claude Monet, Soleil Levant, 1872

Both Monet and Cavet went through a remarkable artistic journey during their careers. Monet is known for his stylistic transformation from youthful Impressionism to mature Impressionist landscapes and finally to paintings of the Giverny gardens.

Similarly, Cavet has shown a remarkable evolution from her introduction to photography in 2020 to her current eminence in contemporary photography, making her pictures recognizable with that touch that takes one back in time to the works of the masters of Impressionism.

Water appears frequently in Monet's paintings from the beginning of his career until his final years. His favorite subjects included rivers, ponds, lakes, the sea, and waterways in cities.

Monet was fascinated by water's ability to reflect light and color. He used quick, choppy brushstrokes to capture the fleeting qualities of water in different weather conditions and times of day. The water in his paintings is never static but always in motion, reflecting light in ever-changing ways.

The subject of water can also be found in many of Samantha's works. The photographer, who is very close to the world of nature, manages to use water in her compositions in a masterful way, creating a unique balance of colors within her shots

White house by the lake, Samantha Cavet, 2023

Senna in Giverny, Claude Monet, 1897

In Cavet's work, Spirit of the Land, one can observe a landscape of light and pure colors that transport the observer to that meadow, allowing them to breathe in the air that moves the willow branches.

The weeping willow was a very important figure for Monet, and its significance has changed over the years. During the period of his blindness, a willow stood beside his water-lily garden, becoming a form of self-portrait for him

Spirit of the Land, Samantha Cavet, 2023

The weeping willow, Claude Monet, ca1918

Samantha's works focus on the deep exploration of human emotions, delving into realms of nostalgia, melancholy, and tranquility.

In the photo 'Garden of Earthly Delights,' the artist transports us into a forest where dark tones gradually fade towards the center of the canvas, inviting us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of this fairy-tale landscape.

As the eye is drawn towards the center, one can discover the peace and serenity that nature offers. By delving deeply into the painting, one can strike chords within the soul that connect us with the artist

Garden of Earthly Delights,Samantha Cavet,2023

Much like Monet, Samantha draws significant inspiration from Japanese art.

Her work is constantly evolving, influenced by her travels and studies, which have led her to explore Japanese prints by renowned masters like Hokusai and Hiroshige

Katsushika Hokusai was one of Japan's most influential and celebrated artists during the Edo period. He is known for his extraordinary woodcut prints, particularly the ukiyo-e prints, which have left an indelible mark on Japanese art and influenced generations of artists around the world.

His most famous series, 'Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji', with its mastery of colour, composition and detail, Hokusai captured the majesty and changing beauty of Mount Fuji. In addition to his prints, Hokusai worked on a wide range of themes, including landscapes, portraits, still lifes and mythological scenes.

Hokusai and blue had different connotations and meanings, often depending on the context of the work. The deep blue of the sea represents both the power of nature and the fragility of humanity in the face of it. In other works, such as his depictions of Mount Fuji, blue could symbolize greatness, immensity, and stability.

"Reflection of Mount Fuji in Lake Kawaguchi as seen from the Misaka Pass in the province of Kai" made me consider how much of Cavet's studies can be seen in the work "Sleeping under the Stars," where we find Lake Lucerne in the foreground and the view of the Swiss Alps in the background.

"Reflection of Mount Fuji in Lake Kawaguchi as seen from the Misaka Pass in the province of Kai" Katsushika Hokusai

Sleeping under the Stars, Samantha Cavet, 2023