36 Candles

This photograph is unique because it testifies to an absolutely exceptional degree of acceptance on the part of a sperm whale clan. Vertical napping is not rare in itself, but experiencing it in the heart of the group, just a few meters away, in total silence, is an almost surreal experience.

The scene exudes an incomparable serenity. The sperm whales, motionless in the perfect verticality of their sleep, form a kind of living architecture, like columns suspended in a deep blue. The atmosphere is silent, dense, almost sacred.
One feels peace, trust, an immense gentleness that contrasts with the power of these animals.

This moment also has an intimate dimension: the sperm whales show no anxiety, no sign of fleeing. They remain there, as if the human presence has been accepted, integrated into their rest. It is a form of acceptance that cannot be imposed—it is earned, through respect, patience, and a very gentle approach.

Finally, this photograph is unique because it played an important role in my journey. It won awards, was featured in numerous media outlets, and still represents one of the defining moments of my relationship with sperm whales.
It is an image that testifies to a rare privilege: to be welcomed into the deepest intimacy of a dormant clan.

Printed on Canson Infinity paper, each artwork is crafted with professional care, certified, and signed by the artist. Prints are available in various sizes, framed or unframed. Each piece captures the richness of golden hues and the depth of the Arctic sea.