Moon Shine: Photographs of the Cumberland Plateau by Rachel Boillot

Moon Shine is a collection of photographs inspired by the unique musical traditions of the Cumberland Plateau. This region is home to a rich storytelling heritage, showcased in historic fiddle tunes, balladry, religious gospel pieces and other songs passed down as part of a formidable oral tradition. Today, this old-time tradition is threatened by the limitations of a twenty-first century attention span and the popularity of commercial music. This project ultimately celebrates a place and the creative impulses it has fostered over history, while also seeking to document a disappearing tradition.

As a photographer exploring the region, Boillot has channeled these traditions into a lyrical portrait of place, and the photographs in this work act as a visual score to mirror musical melody. Her photographs explore the relationship between what is heard and what is seen, with a tension between mystery and revelation pervading the work.

Rachel Boillot lives and works in Nashville, TN.
To view more of Rachel’s work, please visit her website.