Opening
Exhibition
Transition
Where each emotion shapes our evolution
I’ve been experimenting with texture for a few years. Year after year, my technique materializes and becomes more and more complex. This series conveys my desire to focus entirely on humanity – the main subject matter of my art.
I realize that my impasto technique carries its full importance when it is associated with the essence of life, real life, life that is approached head on, without embellishment. Life that is often expressed with a snapping of the fingers. The colourful layering work represents the traces left by our mixed emotions. These traces symbolize the roots of the tree of our personal paths. Consequently, the more traces there are, the taller the tree will be. For me, this dense and rich subject matter also constitutes a symbol of sincerity and depth of the soul. Thus my struggle with the canvas ensues, day after day. Without the physicality involved in my technique, the work would be devoid of purpose.
Sometimes, after days and even weeks of adding media and scratching, I find myself at the starting point again, but something impalpable emerges. Without knowing why or what, I’m satisfied. The internal message conveyed by the budding character fulfills and appeases me.
However, everything surrounding this life form must be refined. Out of this austerity, this simplicity, a strong and energized subject is born. But the path to attaining balance in simplicity is long and arduous. Thanks to the refined surface treament, the emotion emanating from characters who are stuck in transitory moments will be revealed and expressed at full force. Isn’t it in the times in which we experience adversity that life creates new answers?
When I have no further questions and am at peace with the work, I let it go. I hope that someone somewhere will be intrigued by it, maybe even enough to become attached to it. The piece then, itself, will become a spectator of the emotions that punctuate the paths of those who surround it. That is my quest!
Sylvain Coulombe
Translation: Lisa Waite