Artist in conversation: Raphaël
Painting has been an integral part of Raphaël's life since childhood, providing a medium through which he explores themes of nature, love, intimacy, sorrow, pain, and solitude. His paintings often feature shapes representing various body parts, with some pieces presenting recognizable figures, while others use abstract circles and lines to convey facial features and expressions.
Minimalism is a key element in Raphaël's art, leading him to create exclusively in black and white. Despite the limited color palette, he believes that monochrome art can deliver a powerful impact, evoking a wide range of emotions and sensations in the viewer.
To add texture and dimensionality to his paintings, Raphaël employs a diverse array of mediums, including oil pastels, China ink, sprayed acrylic graffiti paint, liquid acrylic paint, as well as conventional acrylic and oil paints. This approach allows him to create works that are rich in depth and complexity, resonating deeply with audiences.
Fornication
Painting on canvas : oil, acrylic, liquid acrylic, aerosol acrylic, oil pastels, China ink
22 inches x 28 inches
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
As a child, I developed an interest for visual arts because I liked the way they made me feel. I turned to abstract art because I could communicate my thoughts and feelings without having to verbalize them. It quickly became both a passion and an outlet that have not only helped me brave difficult times but also taught me self-regulation. It took me long to find a style that resonated with me. I began by experimenting with colours and exploring different genres but abandoned everything to focus solely on black and white art around 5 years ago. I paint people with distorted faces in an effort to depict those intense moments when emotions overpower self-control. I try to incorporate new techniques in each piece because I want my style to keep evolving.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
My art revolves around themes of nature, solitude, loneliness, rejection and intimacy. I reflect on the things I have gained and lost from my past experiences. While some may have been mistakes, others have become lessons that I find liberating to tell through art. I also get inspired by the experiences of those around me; I do not always paint about my own. Nature often comes up in my work, sometimes in a more subtle manner. Growing up in the countryside, I have always felt at ease in rural areas. My home environment has had a profound impact on my development both as a person and an artist.
Punisher Tu vas m'aimer
Painting on canvas : oil, acrylic, liquid acrylic, aerosol acrylic, oil pastels, China ink Painting on canvas : oil, acrylic, liquid acrylic, aerosol acrylic, oil pastels, China ink
22 inches x 28 inches 24 inches x 30 inches
What inspired your choice to depict intimate moments such as intercourse, holding hands, and fighting in your paintings?
Another thing I like about abstract art is the freedom it offers—I set my own rules. I sometimes like being graphic and explicit when telling stories, particularly when painting scenes like these.
Are there any specific artists or movements that have influenced your approach to minimalism and monochrome art?
Pierre Soulages, Franz Kline, Joan Mitchell and Marlene Dumas
Can you share a specific piece of artwork that holds special significance to you and why?
One of my favourite artworks is “The Passion” by Marlene Dumas, where we can guess the faces of two lovers. I like the expressions on their faces and how they seem intertwined. I appreciate it for its brilliant execution and the subtle yet powerful use of colours.
Marlene Dumas, The Passion, 1994
Gouache and ink on paper
61 x 49 cm
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
Despite painting for most of my life, I have only recently started sharing what I do with others. And out of all of my completed works, I have only revealed a select few. I am sometimes hesitant to share them openly. I wouldn’t call myself secretive, but my privacy is of the utmost importance to me. It means a lot to me that others show interest in my work and I genuinely value every comment I receive. I am mindful of the feedback I get, and a lot of it has helped shape my portfolio. There is still much to learn from fellow artists, but I don't let criticism dictate my creative process entirely; I prioritize staying true to my intuition.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I am used to facing rejection but I learned how to compartmentalize. I understand that it's impossible to please everyone, especially considering how different my profile is. When faced with creative blocks, the right solutions for me are usually either to think of my ideas more thoroughly or to wait for inspiration to strike.
Hate
Painting on canvas : oil, acrylic, liquid acrylic, aerosol acrylic, oil pastels, China ink
14 inches x 17 inches
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I feel privileged to have been selected and I am very curious to see what this experience has in store for me!
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My primary objective in the long term is to secure new gallery representation. I actively seek out opportunities to showcase my work in international exhibitions to increase my exposure and eventually find the right market for me. I am familiar with the art scenes of Copenhagen, Montreal and Stockholm and I am very interested in traveling elsewhere to discover more. I also want to improve my skills to bring more diversity to my paintings. Being self-taught and having never attended a painting seminar, I am intrigued by the idea and believe it could help me grow as an artist.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your drawings?
The initial stage of my creative process involves sketching out my intended painting. It is during this phase that I connect with the emotions I want to convey. My approach becomes more strategic once I start painting. I follow the sketch to ensure the accurate portrayal of my intended visuals. I try to evoke reactions from my audience by highlighting specific elements in the visual or depicting clear facial expressions.