Runner Chronicles: Arthur Vaillant
The Runner Chronicles
A photographer, art director, and runner — Arthur Vaillant is here to shake things up, and we’re more than ready.
Based between the French Alpes and Paris, Arthur works with non-profit organizations (we appreciate that), filmmakers, brands, athletes, and more. His creative reach is wide, but always thoughtful. Most recently, he released his first book, (LES)AMÉRIQUES — a visual and reflective dive into our relationship with images, and how they shape our experiences and perceptions.
It’s about the beauty we assign to visuals — how we sometimes fall in love with what an image represents, rather than what it truly is. A concept that feels especially relevant in the age of endless scrolling.
For this edition, we wanted to give the artist more space. So, we tried something new.
Yes, we asked a few questions (because why not?), but we also handed over part of VAERT to Arthur himself. No limits, no format — just an open invitation to share something of his own. His work, his words, his way.
And yep — it turned out really cool. Just like we expected.
Arthur, let’s introduce you to our readers.
Well, it's never easy to introduce yourself, but let's just say it gives you the image you're striving for, haha. My name is Arthur, and I currently live in the French Alps. Since last year, when I spent 8 months in America, I've been moving from place to place.
First and foremost, I think I'm creative — a photographer and art director. I grew up very close to the mountains and have always practiced outdoor activities. But when I was younger, I preferred drawing or making videos over going for a workout. My relationship with sport and running has never been very structured. I go trail running and cycling to meet up with friends, have adventures, and discover new places. And it's also these outings that have led me to make images — and sometimes, the desire to take specific photos gets me out in my shoes.
Tell us more about (LES)AMÉRIQUES.
In 2024, I set off with my girlfriend on an 8-month backpacking trip across America. Of course, I took my camera with me. I had no intention of making a book of these images when I got back. Initially, it was mainly for souvenir purposes. But as the months went by, and as I met new people and made new discoveries, I began to question my relationship with images.
Why do I take such and such a photo? What does it represent in our eyes, in the eyes of society—and for what purpose? Why do I go to a tourist spot I'd seen on Instagram and take a photo of it myself?
Many questions led me to reflect on my approach as a photographer, the influence of social media on our perception of images, and the influence of images themselves on our lived experiences.
(LES)AMÉRIQUES is a book—my first as a photographer—which I edited and published earlier this year. Through this project, I'm sharing an immersion into this vast American territory, beyond established borders, without anyone really knowing (at first glance) where the photos were taken.
To propose images for what they truly are, and not for what they may represent in our society. A contemplative reading experience.
How does creativity help you move forward?
Creativity can lead to movement, and I imagine the reverse is also true. For me, moving is a tool for creativity—allowing me to realize ideas, desires, and share emotions or even commitments through images, for example.
I don't consider myself a highly motivated sportsman. I don’t run for time, and I don’t really take part in races. In fact, I don't think it would be very positive for me if I started all that—haha.
On the other hand, what motivates me to go running or head into the mountains is the desire for projects, photos, or other ideas that I want to bring to life (and of course, sometimes it’s friends too). Creating a framework around my sporting practice is definitely what can push me quite far.
I think it's also what has brought so many people to the trails and roads in recent years—especially with social networks, films, creative and community projects. Ideas are flourishing, and this is creating a real passion around sport, with its excesses, but above all, all its benefits.
And there's no doubt about it: getting moving is good for your mental health, and therefore, for your creativity.
The STORIES by Arthur Vaillant
For our readers - Since I started photography, I’ve always sought to share positive stories—to inspire people and, especially, to raise awareness about social and environmental issues. I believe in the power of images and sport to help share these messages.
Let me tell you one of them.
This is not just about running next to a glacier.
2021 — first time I’ve slept with my tent on a glacier, just below Mont Blanc.
2022 — record year for heat.
I’m off to discover another one that glides gently along the trails above Chamonix: the Bossons Glacier. The UTMB starts in 2 days, and the heatwave kit is required for all runners...
Glaciers are impressive natural beauties—by their shape, their colors. But also by their power to influence climate, and to be influenced by it too. Glaciers and ice sheets cover 10% of the land surface on Earth. In the European Alps, we benefit from the presence of 3,900 glaciers. And you can easily stand alongside them on so many mountain trails.
Have you ever run next to a glacier? You can feel its breath, hear its heart.
These big guys could disappear by the end of this century. Today, there is no doubt that the threat is directly linked to the burning of fossil fuels—and so, climate change. But glaciers aren’t just aesthetic pieces of nature.
Glaciers are essential elements of our Earth’s climate. They represent a huge water supply during the driest and warmest months of the year—feeding valleys where a lot of people live and run, irrigating crops, maintaining river discharge, and cooling nuclear plants.
They play an important thermoregulatory role: white surfaces reflect heat, while rocks absorb it. So when glaciers lose ice due to rising temperatures, more heat is absorbed by the ground, and temperatures increase. As soon as ice starts retreating, the vicious circle of accelerating ice loss is triggered.
Glaciologists know that if we continue on our current carbon emissions path, we’ll lose 95% of Alpine glaciers by the end of the century. On the other hand, if we start reducing our consumption of fossil fuels today, there’s hope to still save 30% of these glaciers.
This is very much in our hands today. We can decide collectively what we want for Alpine glaciers—and more generally, for our future.
Images by: Arthur Vaillant
Let’s run to nature’s pace!
What would a running session look like in the future? What about our relationship with sports, both professional and amateur, with water, sun, air pollution and heat while running in a full concrete city or a dried-out mountain? I'm sure that some of us, however privileged, are already facing these situations.
We need to adapt. To let the body breathe, to have good thermoregulation. A night running session will be more usual in the future. Maybe it’s not so desirable, and one of the answers to that is to slow down at the same time. Not in our running pace but to slow down the whole of society in order to move towards a more viable world.
Leaving fossil fuels in the ground to keep the climate livable for everyone but also maintaining living ecosystems, our drinking water resources and keep us running!
This is not a sprint, we are running a marathon.
No matter our differences, we will run in the same direction. No matter our experiences, we're aiming for the same goal at a different pace. No matter our generation, the future will depend on today’s action.
Everyone has their own experience, knowledge and culture. We can engage with the tools at our disposal. But it's clear that changes have to be structural. And we all have the collective strength to demand it. Images and sport are strong vectors of inspiration, and we can put them to work for a more viable society.
The UTMB recently teamed up with a car manufacturer to keep growing. However, many prominent trail runners like Kilian Jornet have voiced their disagreement with this decision, because of the total opposition to their sport’s values. Even if they did not cancel the decision, the organizers changed their main sponsor and reacted quickly to the collective mobilization. It's working!
We're also seeing the emergence of groups all over the world, from running clubs to hiking enthusiasts. Staying connected to others and to the living world keeps us on the move and nourishes our ideas while creativity helps move forward.
2025, I have some ideas to create my own outdoor group led by nature, food and active experiences.
Want to be featured in the next Chronicles or share your own work? Reach out via vaertinfo@gmail.com or send us a DM!
