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“Traces, signs and marks of time question and inspire me. Those of the rocks, the old walls, decrepit and repainted many times, where mappemondes or silhouettes sometimes appear, the bark of the trees, rust, graffiti.”
The Techniques of Marie-Hélène Carcanague
Marie-Hélène Carcanague’s upbringing in a small city may have been unassuming, but her roots run deep in the rugged countryside of southern France. Though she never lived in this semi-mountainous region, it is these wild and remote places that have had the most profound impact on her.
As an artist, Carcanague is a master of effects of matter, seamlessly blending acrylic, pencil, pastel, and collages to create stunningly layered works of art. Her paintings often feature the rich patina of time, with traces, signs, and marks left by the elements – from the weathered rocks and ancient walls, to the gnarled bark of trees, rust and graffiti.
Exploring the Depths of Marie-Hélène Carcanague Artistic Vision
Marie-Hélène’s art is a journey through the abstract and figurative, where human beings, ill-bred animals, and fantastical beasts all come to life with their own stories to tell. Each piece is a window into the artist’s own experiences and the landscapes that have shaped her, inviting the viewer to explore and discover the hidden depths of her work.
Marie-Hélène Carcanague constantly pushes the boundaries of her craft and exploring new ways to express herself through her work. Her camera, which she has long considered her favorite tool, has allowed her to delve deep into the intricacies of her subjects, capturing the very essence of their being through the manipulation of light and shadow, movement and line.
From Prints to Paint: An Artist’s Evolution in Color and Form
But as her artistic journey has progressed, she has found that photography she has loved for long does not give her sufficient freedom. The sharp images, the smooth and cold surface of the prints no longer resonate with her creative aspirations, and she has turned to painting as a means of exploring new frontiers in color and form.
With her painting, she dares to be more experimental, unafraid to take risks and push her work to new heights. Her favorite pieces are often her most recent works, as they reflect the latest stages of her artistic evolution and showcase her bold and daring approach to art. She is constantly challenging herself to explore new and exciting avenues of expression, and her work continues to evolve and grow with each new piece she creates.
Marie-Hélène Carcanague’s Journey to Larger Canvases
Marie-Hélène Carcanague has a very recognizable style. She has a clear preference for working on canvases measuring 100 x 80 cm. This format perfectly suits her artistic gesture and the tools she uses, allowing her to create distinct works with ease and freedom. However, the artist is not content with sticking to this comfortable format and is eager to explore new horizons. She has long dreamed of working on larger canvases, such as 2.50 x 4 m, but has yet to take the plunge. The transition to such a scale is not a small feat and requires a whole new set of techniques and approaches. It’s like building a cathedral with a bucket and a shovel, a daunting task that requires a great deal of skill and letting go. But Marie-Hélène Carcanague is determined to rise to the challenge and push the boundaries of her art.
For Marie-Hélène, art is not just a mere hobby or pastime, but a vital and essential part of her being. It serves as a form of self-expression, a way to communicate the deepest thoughts and emotions that reside within her soul. She finds solace in the act of creating, and in the beauty and wonder that is revealed through the various exhibitions and galleries she frequents. To her, art is not just limited to visual mediums, but also encompasses the realms of music and sound, allowing her to fully immerse herself in a world of fantasy and imagination. It serves as a way to escape the chaos and turmoil of the world, and to find peace and tranquility in the beauty of creation.
