Gérard Mortier

The special relationship between Gérard Mortier and the Opale Coast took on a new meaning when the artist decided to translate its unsettling moods, which he calls 'his favourite topic '.

His memories are full of walks on the Audresselles'rocs whilst he was a child, and since then, Gérard Mortier never misses an occasion to immerse himself in this mysterious coastal world. Far from being influenced only by his personal ephemeral memories, this self-taught painter with an unquestioned talent, moved by his will and passion, is guided in his work by a burning ambition to share his love for seascape. Little by little, his technique became finer and his representation clearer, giving birth to his first canvasses in the 70's. From the beginning, Mortier's works were a success not only locally but also outside of French borders. In front of his canvas, the pleasure felt in those precious aesthetic moments is fully expressed and the public is rarely mistaken.

However, rather than staying in his comfort zone or reproducing sterile seascapes, the artist needed to move on and progress in his quest. Influenced by the Impressionists, he moved slowly from a sometimes troubled realism towards a more minimalist style, close to abstraction….It is an interesting challenge which will not forget that the creation of light and contrast are the major qualities of Gérard Mortier. However, by no means does he restrict himself only to one source of inspiration. The painter is curious and adventurous, he turns with pleasure to new themes. Paris or Lisbon captivate him. He admits that he likes to depart from his habits to capture poetry elsewhere.