Eugénie Paultre: Matter of Life

The intention of the Matter of Life series is to come across colour – by searching for the existence of a harmonic scale, despite the initially undefined nature of possible variations. Written as if on the edge, step by step – this harmonic scale must eventually be found… But there is nothing, absolutely nothing systematic, that prevails here – the order of the tones is discovered as one goes along – the association of colors is left open to improvisation. A model may precede the painting, yet it is on the moment (or through the mobilization of a subterranean memory) that the final choice is made. In the end, the painting most often strays very clearly away from the initial figure – a simple reference point. 

As a practice, the colored line naturally leads the way: one line calls for the next, and as the whole takes shape, it gradually invents its order. The repetition of the gesture generates a magnetism, driving a seemingly unstoppable necessity.

"Lines and lines, drawn next to a river, as if to recreate a certain transparent, lucid, clear flow. - Lines and lines - to bring together anonymous dimensions.  Lines and lines - to resemble the repetition of the movement of simple elements. Lines, drawn over and over again, hundreds of times, with a trembling and steady hand, close to a river, to find a language, however simple - to test the endurance to live - for nothing - to disappear, to become." (Matter of Life, p.89)