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I paint landscapes without human presence, not nature, but a deserted world, in the past or in the future, constructed around a few signs of civilization
Thierry Dalat: Artist and Set Designer
Thierry Dalat is an artist and set designer who was born in Normandy, France in 1971. He does not come from an artistic background, but has always been drawn to the arts and pursued a formal education in them by attending art school for five years. Since graduating, he has worked as a decorator painter for the opera and has also been involved in set design for various performances in France, England, and Switzerland, including opera, dance, and theater. In addition to his creative work, he has also taught art and scenography at an architecture school. Currently, he is focused on his personal artistic pursuits and is based in the south of France, where he exhibits his work through galleries in France and Europe.
Thierry is from Normandy, located in the north of France. It is a region known for its green landscapes and frequent rain. The scenery can be rugged and at times, melancholic. It took him some time to realize that these qualities were a part of him, and he has always been drawn to the mystery and unseen forces that seem to permeate the region. He moved to the south of France about 8 years ago, and it has been a challenging adjustment for him. The beauty in the south is more overt, with less shadow and perhaps too much light. In his work as a lighting designer for theater and opera, he has learned the importance of creating a black box, a space of darkness, to bring contrast and depth to the stage. This concept of contrast and the interplay of light and shadow also interests him in photography.
The Solitude and Intimacy in Thierry Dalat’s Landscape and Portrait Art
Thierry Dalat specializes in creating landscapes that are devoid of human presence, depicting a desolate world that may be set in the past, present, or future. These landscapes were characterized by a few subtle signs of civilization, and Thierry often chose to depict them in black and white. His inspiration for these works came from his travels and his own region, as well as his desire to capture a sense of solitude and isolation. In addition to his landscape paintings, Thierry also recently began to focus on portrait art, which involves a different kind of relationship between him and his subjects. Nonetheless, this relationship was still intimate and deeply personal, as Thierry aimed to create timeless portraits of fragile figures that convey a sense of both presence and absence. Ultimately, Thierry’s art was a way of connecting to an interior space and expressing emotions and ideas through the medium of paint.
Thierry found inspiration in the concept of intimacy and the perception of time. He enjoyed painting landscapes, portraits, and other familiar subjects, but he also enjoyed blurring the lines and creating a sense of ambiguity in his work. Thierry was particularly drawn to the way that old wall paintings, such as those found in Pompeii, captured the passage of time through their degradation and alterations. In addition to studying the works of other artists such as Fra Angelico, Gerhard Richter, and Anselm Kieffer, Thierry also drew inspiration from a wide range of sources outside of the art world, including cinema, literature, and poetry.
Thierry Dalat’s Evolving Artistic Style
Over time, Thierry Dalat’s artistic style has undergone a transformation. This evolution has been influenced by various life events and changes in his working environment, and he believes it is a natural part of the creative process. Thierry is always seeking to push himself further and explore new techniques and associations, treating the act of painting like a culinary experiment, where he is constantly trying to discover new flavors and combinations. His passion for technique drives him to constantly seek out new ways to express himself, whether it be through modern or experimental techniques or those rooted in tradition. Ultimately, Thierry believes that the best is yet to come and he is constantly striving to find new ways to refine and develop his style.
One of Thierry’s works that he is particularly proud of is a painting that captures the tension between light and darkness, beauty and unease. The luminous quality of the piece is striking, yet it is offset by a shadowy and foreboding element, evoking themes of disaster and turmoil. In his artistic practice, Thierry often strives to depict subjects with depth and complexity, rather than simply adhering to traditional standards of beauty. This piece, for him, embodies that approach and speaks to the multifaceted nature of the human experience.
The Fusion of Artistic Disciplines: Thierry Dalat’s Dream of an Interdisciplinary Art School
Thierry Dalat has always dreamed of establishing an art school that serves as a hub for the fusion of various artistic disciplines such as video dance, manga, literature, and poetry. Despite being a lofty aspiration, Thierry believes that there is great potential in the intersection of these mediums and is passionate about the opportunity to facilitate their convergence. Thierry also finds great fulfillment in teaching and sharing his knowledge and creativity with others, as it allows him to continue to grow and learn from the unique perspectives of his students.
To address the question of whether art can aid in other areas of one’s life, it is worth considering the role that art plays in shaping one’s perspective and sense of beauty. For some, the appreciation and creation of art may serve as a source of inspiration and joy that can enrich various aspects of their existence. In addition, art and culture provide a means of expression and connection to others, which can foster a sense of belonging and purpose. While it may be challenging to quantify the impact of art on one’s overall well-being, it is undeniable that it has the potential to enhance one’s experience of the world and bring meaning to one’s life.
