Thierry Michelet

In Thierry Michelet’s paintings, the human form is not simply a static object but a complex and emotional expression of a being. Even when the subject matter itself is distorted and fragmented, his portraits depict reality because the feelings they represent are common to the human experience.

In particular, Michelet’s studies of the face exude intensity. The black-and-white palette pushes this feeling even further by favoring stark contrasts over shades of grey. The black and white wrestle on the canvas the way one’s mind sometimes wrestles with emotional trauma. One can see in the dark eyes and twisted mouths of the individuals portrayed that they are grappling with their thoughts. Interestingly, the more colorful paintings, in warm tones of orange, beige and pink, hide the subject’s face. Here, it is the angles of the body that tell a story. The nudes are shown at various angles and positions on the canvas as they stretch, bend and contort their bodies. Thierry Michelet lives in Bordeaux, France.

The French Perspective: Contemporary Art from France
Reception: Thursday July 2, 2009 6-8 PM
Exhibition Dates: 6/27/2009 - 7/17/2009

Invitation to Thierry Michelet's exhibition

Maud 3 Acrylic on Canvas 71" x 55" $5410 Maud 3 Acrylic on Canvas 71" x 55" $5410	Maud 4 Acrylic on Canvas 55" x 71" $5410 Maud 4 Acrylic on Canvas 55" x 71" $5410
Christine II Acrylic on Canvas 71" x 55" $5410 Christine II Acrylic on Canvas 71" x 55" $5410	Maud 9 Acrylic on Canvas 71" x 55" $5410 Maud 9 Acrylic on Canvas 71" x 55" $5410
L'hypothèse du Portrait 9 Acrylic & Ink on Canvas 31.5" x 31.5" $3100 L'hypothèse du Portrait 9 Acrylic & Ink on Canvas 31.5" x 31.5" $3100	L'hypothèse du Portrait 4 Acrylic & Ink on Canvas 31.5" x 31.5" $3100 L'hypothèse du Portrait 4 Acrylic & Ink on Canvas 31.5" x 31.5" $3100
L'hypothèse du Portrait 1 Acrylic & Ink on Canvas 31.5" x 31.5" $3100 L'hypothèse du Portrait 1 Acrylic & Ink on Canvas 31.5" x 31.5" $3100	L'hypothèse du Portrait 2 Acrylic & Ink on Canvas 31.5" x 31.5" $3100 L'hypothèse du Portrait 2 Acrylic & Ink on Canvas 31.5" x 31.5" $3100