Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Color-Field Landscape, Les Champs IX., 2020

Christian Manoury  

A contemporary Abstract Expressionist Color-Field acrylic on canvas by French artist, Christian Manoury. Signed to the back of the canvas.

This artwork is a striking composition of abstract layers, utilizing bold, textured strokes to create an evocative landscape. The canvas is divided into three distinct regions, each with its own color dominance. The upper section is a cascade of deep blues, bordered by indigo vertical forms, suggesting a tumultuous sky. Below, a vivid band of light green suggests a lush terrain bathed in ethereal light, contrasting sharply with the darker hues above. The bottom region features dense, textured greens interwoven with hints of yellow, evoking overgrown grass or foliage. The artist's adept use of color and texture invites viewers to interpret the scene's mood and meaning. The dynamic interplay between the cool and warm tones, along with the thick, expressive brushwork, creates an engaging visual rhythm, making the piece a compelling exploration of abstract expressionism.

Born in Paris, Manoury studied Fine Art at the Grande Chaumière, Paris. He had his first show at Galerie Audouin, St Germain, Paris.

Manoury spent the 80s and 90s working as a free-lance fashion designer for various luxury brands, travelling worldwide. Christian has always been interested in Art with a particular fascination for African and Papua New Guinean Tribal Art and has built up a considerable private collection over the years. He has also contributed to various prestigious collections.

In 1994 he spent time painting as a full-time artist in the Hamptons, under the wing of Larry Rivers.

This was followed by a period of designing furniture and more fashion, but Christian has always kept a studio wherever he lived (New York/Paris/London/Spain..) and enjoys painting whenever time allows. Today he paints full-time in the South of France where he now resides.

Christian says ; « Painting for me is COSA MENTALE »

Where the first paintings were figurative and subjective, searching for the meaning of being and the origin, his latest work is more impressionistic and minimalist.

His travelling companions are the music of Debussy, Satie and Philip Glass.