Rachel Cobb: Mistral

This book explores the profound impact of the mistral wind on Provence, showcasing its influence through stunning photography and insightful writings. Rachel Cobb: Mistral delves into this unique relationship.

In Rachel Cobb: Mistral, the reader is taken on a visual journey through Provence, as seen through the lens of its iconic wind, the mistral. Photographer Rachel Cobb captures the profound influence this relentless force of nature has on the region. The mistral, known for its powerful gusts that can reach hurricane strength, is not merely a weather phenomenon; it is deeply woven into the fabric of Provençal life. Its effects can be seen in the architecture, agriculture, and culture of the area, shaping everything from the design of homes to the cultivation of crops.

Cobb's photography reveals how the mistral has shaped the landscape and the lifestyle of those who inhabit the region. Homes are strategically built with few windows facing the wind, while rows of trees act as natural windbreaks for fields. Artists have long been captivated by the clear skies that follow a bout of mistral, and Cobb’s work showcases this unique relationship between the wind and the environment. Through her lens, she captures moments that embody the essence of the wind—like a leaf caught in flight or grapevines bending under its force.

The book includes insightful contributions from notable figures such as Bill Buford and Paul Auster, alongside writings from celebrated authors like Jean Giono and Frédéric Mistral. Designed by Yolanda Cuomo Design, NYC, Rachel Cobb: Mistral invites readers to experience the unseen yet omnipresent force that defines Provence.