French artist and photographer Mathieu Forget is marking a decade of his “Levitation” project, a series that captures athletes and the artist himself in suspended, gravity-defying poses against global landscapes. The project, which blends elements of dance, athleticism, and travel photography, has evolved, most notably following a widely viewed video of his real-life partner, Victoria Dauberville.
As Forget reflects on ten years of development, his work continues to gain international attention for its juxtaposition of human movement against dramatic, often remote, natural backdrops. His portfolio serves as a visual intersection of performance art and landscape documentation.
A Decade of Movement
The “Levitation” project began as an exploration of the human form in motion, with Forget utilizing his background in dance to execute precise leaps and holds. Over the past ten years, the series has expanded to include French athletes, each chosen for their ability to maintain grace while suspended in mid-air.
Forget’s process often involves scouting locations that provide a sense of scale, aiming to make the subject appear as if they are truly floating against the horizon. By traveling to diverse geographic regions, he has documented how different environments change the visual narrative of the “levitating” subject.
The Antarctic Viral Milestone
The global reach of Forget’s work saw a substantial increase last year following the publication of a video featuring his real-life partner, Victoria Dauberville. The footage, which shows Dauberville dancing on the bow of a ship in Antarctica, gained significant traction across social media. The video was viewed 500 million times on social media, bringing widespread recognition to the collaborative nature of the Levitation series.
The success of this specific project highlighted the potential for artistic content to transcend traditional gallery settings. By leveraging the reach of short-form video, Forget and Dauberville were able to introduce the aesthetic of the Levitation project to a broader, global audience.
Future Projects and Olympic Ambitions
Looking toward the next phase of his career, Mathieu Forget has indicated that his future work includes a series for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. While specific details regarding the scope of the project remain in the development phase, the artist has suggested that the series will aim to celebrate the intersection of Olympic-level athleticism and the artistic movement that has defined his last decade of work.
Perspective on Artistic Practice
As an editor with over 14 years of experience covering global affairs and cultural movements, I find that projects like “Levitation” serve as a barometer for how digital audiences consume art in the 21st century. The transition from static imagery to viral, motion-based content reflects a broader shift in how artists document human performance. Mathieu Forget’s ability to sustain a singular creative vision over a decade—while simultaneously adapting to the demands of modern social media algorithms—offers a case study in contemporary artistic endurance.
For those interested in following the progress of the Levitation project, updates are typically shared through the artist’s official digital channels. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the evolution of performance art in the comments section below.
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