French photographer Laurent Chéhère is currently presenting his Flying Houses series — which employs a mix of traditional photography and digital manipulation — at the Galerie Paris-Beijing, in Paris. Chéhère takes a variety of residential structures out of their defining neighbourhood backdrops, and sets them up against the sky, floating amidst the clouds like kites.

The series is inspired by visions of old Paris and by the famous short-length film The Red Balloon directed by Albert Lamorisse, and captures houses from the Belleville and Ménilmontant neighbourhoods. By placing them above the clouds, Chéhère seeks to reveal their hidden beauty.

"Some of flying houses are adorned with clotheslines and flowers pots, while others carry signs and businesses away from fire flames," states the artist. "All of them seem to find a second life, uprooted from their native city and heading for other skies."

Through 4 December 2012
Laurent Chéhère: Flying Houses
Galerie Paris-Beijing
Rue du Vertbois 54, Paris