Marianne Simonin
Born 1962, France
Lives in London
Marianne Simonin is a French artist whose work shifts between figurative and abstraction, exploring essentially female energy, symbolism and states of mind. Her source of inspiration and references stem from deeply felt emotions, observations of nature and meditative states. The work produced has a strong psychological or spiritual presence.
She uses a variety of media, essentially oils for the richness of colours and the flexibility of the medium, but also acrylics, charcoal, inks and photography to explore her themes. The process of manifestation and destruction takes an important place during the making of a painting, as well as the constant tuning in with the higher forces of creation. She often ‘floods’ her paintings on the floor, creating a momentum between chance and control, thus feeding the next stages of the work in progress. The titles she uses are part of the creative process, and in many occasions they initiate the work.
A recurrent theme in Marianne’s work is the exploration of Tantric symbolism that allows her to work in a more abstract and meditative way. At times, her technique may involve incantation in a ritualistic approach while working on spiritual themes. Words then filter onto the canvas, as repetitive mantras, and merge as part of the composition.
Another aspect of Marianne’s work is her fascination towards the 'soul' revealing itself through the eyes, which has often let her explore portraiture of her imagination (or inspired by people that intrigues her). She then seeks to access strong states of mind hiding behind expressions.
Marianne frequently travels alone to remote areas of India or other countries to find inspiration, spending many days in silence, observing, while moving from place to place.
link to CV
Adios - oil on canvas
'Extinction' oil on canvas - H 102 x W 51 cm
