Mathieu Foulquié, explorer of underwater worlds, between science and visual poetry.
Mathieu Foulquié is passionate about aquatic environments, and his artistic vision draws on a solid scientific background. Trained as a marine biologist, he went on to become an ecology engineer, carrying out a series of scientific missions, dives and expeditions around the globe.
His notable collaborations include UNEP programmes in the Mediterranean (Syria, Algeria, Tunisia), the Clipperton expedition with Jean-Louis Étienne in 2005, missions to Djibouti, French Guiana and Morocco, and participation in the production of Jacques Perrin's film Océans. He has added to his expertise in freshwater by training as a river technician, and is continuing his work in the Occitanie region.
His underwater photography, initially a tool in the service of science, quickly proved to be a means of moving people and raising awareness. He combines ecological rigour with a creative eye, informed by film and perfected in digital. His images have appeared in National Geographic, Géo and Terre Sauvage, and have contributed to the Atlas of Protected Areas in Venezuela.
Mathieu has organised large-format exhibitions (notably in Montpellier on the underwater Lez) and co-edited several books on the Mediterranean. A professional photographer based in Saint-Aunès (Hérault), he also offers aerial and underwater photography via his company set up in 2015.
