Mare Nostrum IV, 2024

Julie Ruelle  

This fifth print from the “Mare Nostrum" series presents an intriguing and surreal scene, created with the etching technique. The work is rich in lines and patterns, creating a composition that is both complex and harmonious.

The image is dominated by shapes resembling parachutes or jellyfish, suspended in an abstract space. These floating patterns, with their domed structures and dangling drops, add an airy, ethereal dimension to the work.

Vertical and diagonal lines cross the composition, suggesting ropes or filaments. These lines structure the image and create a feeling of upward or downward movement, as if the shapes were floating or slowly falling.

In different places, we find organic details such as spirals and twist patterns, reminiscent of plant tendrils or underwater structures. These elements add a touch of dynamism and visual complexity to the whole.

The upper part of the engraving presents more abstract elements, with patterns that could evoke floating objects or plant forms. This section contributes to the surreal and mysterious atmosphere of the work.

This engraving illustrates the aesthetic interest of etching through its ability to capture fine details and create marked contrasts. The variations of lines, textures and shapes help construct a rich and evocative image, which invites the viewer to interpretation and contemplation.

“Mare Nostrum V" is a work that transports the viewer into a universe both familiar and strange, where natural and imaginary elements mix to create a fascinating composition. This engraving encourages attentive visual exploration, each detail revealing new layers of meaning and beauty.