Cécile Duchêne-Malissin

Cécile Duchêne-Malissin is a resolutely figurative painter. His paintings feature isolated characters, imbued with a certain melancholy, and seemingly immersed in deep introspection.

A diversity of mediums at the service of composition

Cécile Duchêne-Malissin's painting cannot be labeled as it is unique: in terms of theme, composition, but also technique, mixing acrylic paint, ink, paper and canvas. Wishing to move away from “simple painting”, she uses it as a starting point on a partly mounted canvas, where she adds various techniques such as oil pastel, graphite lead, collage and sometimes even painting. sewing.

Cécile Duchêne-Malissin remains for a long time on the same theme, declining it on several paintings or drawings. Usually, she begins with a search for composition that she does most of the time with sketches in which she incorporates photos.

A dreamlike universe imbued with nostalgia

Cécile Duchêne-Malissin's paintings do not evoke any reference to time or place because that is not what is important. Rather, it is about translating our fragility in the face of the world and the need to hide behind a protective envelope. In addition, childhood is particularly represented, and offers itself to the dreamlike sensitivity of each, causing a certain nostalgia.

The characters in the paintings reveal themselves as much as they hide: behind masks, vegetation. They present themselves to the viewer, abandoned to the gaze, and yet all in restraint. But is it the spectator who observes the character, or the opposite?

To Read  : Cécile Duchêne-Malissin’s interview on KAZoART’s blog