There remains one last question : why sign these paintings with a different name ? and why the name Yuki ? Virginie's first reaction to these questions is to remind us, jokingly, that she is a Gemini and fully owns up, playfully, to what could be considered a form of artistic schizophrenia.On a more serious note, she goes on to explain the genesis of clouds…her yearning for freedom. Freedom in regards to Virginie Mezan de Malartic's artistic identity in the art market and amongst collectors, but also a creative, hence mental and emotional freedom. “In order for this creativity to arise, I have to disconnect myself from my surroundings and from my gestural habits. This is an extremely introspective work. I can and “know" how to paint in the style of Virginie Mezan de Malartic, everyday. But to create these clouds, I really need to feel differently." This is why Virginie felt the need to take on the pseudonym of Yuki. It is a Japanese female name which means “snow". “I've always been attracted to Japanese culture and its semantics, for each word is also a symbol that can be interpreted differently depending on how it is used. Infinite evocations stem from just one word, in the image of clouds. And I liked the image of snow because snow makes everything look beautiful, altering and creating new landscapes once it's fallen. And snow has that original purity that tugs at my heart, that childlike wonderment it triggers in us all. It is an element, a name that is full of interesting beliefs."When Virginie introduced Yuki to me, I had to have Yuki join the Art Traffik selection, without any hesitation whatsoever. Now that that's accomplished, I leave you to discover her creations yourselves, and hope you'll enjoy the many variations in colors, shapes and textures, and the many emotions that will ensue. Her paintings will make you linger, ambling about with your “cloud" and senses. And this is just the beginning…Virginie, or rather Yuki, plans on taking things even further…the sky's the limit ! To use her words whose sentiments I fully share “There are artworks that contribute to an artist's betterment, while others will help the artist reach a new milestone". Yuki is undoubtedly a new milestone for Virginie, in her paintings in general, for even her works signed VMDM have progressed towards more intensity and strength.
