Elles, 2021

Ariane Fourquier  

Artist Statement:

I am Ariane Fourquier, a painter and hand weaver, currently on an Award at Cockpit Arts, London's leading studios for contemporary crafts and the UK's only business incubators for makers and designers.

I paint abstract portraits that narrate a story, express emotions and hope to represent the elusive, intangible and moving elements of trauma. The later being the essence and inspiration of my artistic practice. 

Recent areas of focus include a study of the colour white, questioning whether we see white, our perception of it and when & how a colour falls into the category of another one. This led me to write a paper on my findings and develop a series of paintings involving shades of white.

I paint on carefully selected paper and cotton canvas, with acrylic and water-based oil paint. Weave being my area of expertise within the textile realm, I am now in the process of weaving with Japanese paper yarns, fine linen and silk to use as new surfaces to paint on.

Parallel to that, my field of research is the creation of woven therapeutic implements, and their potential application in the context of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a consequence of sexual violence against women, including cis- and trans-women. I aim to reconcile survivors with their ideas and feelings of self-worth, pleasure and intimacy.

Currently, I am taking part in the FUSION program (Fashion Up-Skilling: Innovation Open Network) organised by the Craft Council. Thanks to collaboration and co-design with other artists and ageing citizens across Europe, the project aims to create materials for active ageing. I am also collaborating with a print maker from the Centre of Fine Print & Research on the subject of 'slow violence'.

Education:

MA in Textiles - Weave at Royal College of Art, London, UK 2017 - 2019

BA in Fashion Textiles at London College of Fashion, London, UK 2012 - 2015

Foundation Course in Art and Design at Paris College of Art, Paris, France 2011 - 2012

Awards & Distinctions:

FUSION (Fashion Up-Skilling : Innovation Open Network) . Winner, 2020 | Craft Council, London, UK
The Clothworker's Company and Cockpit Arts Award . Winner, 2019 | London, UK Helen Hamlyn Award for healthcare and Design . Finalist, shortlisted, 2019 | London, UK TextSelect . Shortlisted, 2019 | London, UK 
CHEMFest . Exhibited at The Science Museum, 2019 | London, UK 
Nina De York Illustration Competition . 2nd place, 2015 | London, UK 
Hand & Lock Prize . 4th finalist, 2015 | London, UK 

Exhibitions:

COCKPIT ARTS WINTER FESTIVAL, 2019 | London, UK
RCA MA SHOW, 2019 | London, UK
CHEMFest, The Science Museum, 2019 | London, UK 
DRAW FASHION CASS ART & LCF, 2015 | London, UK

Artistic Influences:

I have always been interested in Science and the Anatomy of bodies (human and nature). 
I admire and take great inspiration from sculptor such as Antoine Bourdelle, Alexander Calder, Auguste Rodin. Growing up in Paris, I spent a lot of time in the Musée Bourdelle. It is the sculptor's house which has been transformed into a museum but keeps the layout of how his Atelier was. The parallel between nature and human sculpture has had a strong impact on my artistic work. 

I also admire current artist such as painter Inès Longevial and jewellery designer Holly O'Hanlon. I am very inspired by bold yet intricate shapes. 

Colour is at the centre of my work and I have undertaken several studies and read a lot on the history of colours, from Colour expert Joseph Albers to Artist Paul Klee observations on colour.