Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Observations of my work

Today I am feeling really excited. I have two really big opportunities on my doorstep, but I think I will rather wait and see if they materialize before I share the details :-)

In the mean time I would like to share a special email sent to me by Anthony Middleton. I always find it really special when someone takes the time to share his/her observations of my work.

Hello my name is Anthony and I'm currently training as a dancer. I was introduced to your work a year ago when I was looking for art as inspiration to create dance, as a college student. I found, and still find, your work extremely interesting and extremely beautiful. Having also read an interview you gave with a website you mentioned that you seem to find that you are drawn to 'vulnerable' and 'emotional' positions. As I observed your work, I found the positions of the subjects quite introverted and suggested sadness. When I look at a lot of your work, it makes me highly reflective and I somehow feel sympathy, in some cases. Is this at all a theme in your work (sadness, reflection)? Can you see this idea in your work too? Another theme that I felt is present in your work, is 'senses'. As I observe your work, I find the subjects almost 'electric', their bodies implying hightened senses, and particularly in work containing more than one subject, I feel almost engaged with their senses, the sense of touch and heat. I would be grateful of any information you can provide for me...I am and will remain a great fan of your work, and am excited to see more of your work in the future.
Thank you again,
Anthony M.
x


It is absolutely true that emotionality and the expression thereof plays a big role in my work (you may find my blog post of Jan 31 interesting since there I go into this in more detail) I spent a large part of my life practically living in two worlds, one reflected to the outside and another within. Therein I found a raw beauty in being able to express emotions freely and this as you noted is a theme that regularly comes forward through my work.

Your second observation of ‘senses’ I found particularly interesting. I only really started using more than one subject in my work since I got married in 2002. Most of my work is very personal and is strongly influenced by events in my personal life. Therefore after being united with my soul mate, I could not help but reflect this in my work. Though I strongly dislike in ‘erotic’ work, I have the need to visualize the unity I experience and reading your description of ‘heightened senses’ when referring to this body of work, I thought beautiful.

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On another note, I am in the process of releasing 10 new pieces, the first shown below. I titled it 'Essential Self' and it is in essence a portrait of Artemis.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Antoine thanks for sharing your special email. It was very enlightening, and gives us a new lens
in which to see your artwork. The "Essential Self" drawing is distinctive, and I am looking forward to seeing the new projects that have arrived at your doorstep!

Michael

Peggi Habets Studio said...

Antoine, I'm not sure how I found your blog but I have enjoyed looking at your work (for the past hour now.) Beautiful stuff and great blog.

Anonymous said...

Dear Antoine,

I love looking for artists and their work online, and I rarely see such a beautiful and sublime portrayal of love and intimacy. It's sensual but in an adorably emotional and refined way. You're my fave artist next to Klimt.

All the best

& love,

Sanja