Searching the Wave of Possibility
The Unique Perspective of Jules de Balincourt
Jules de Balincourt’s paintings offer a captivating depth and scope, immersing viewers in sensational fields of vision. His portrayal of humanity takes on a unique angle, bordering on abstraction and mysticism, while remaining grounded in our reality. Each painting exudes vibrant colors and scenes that may appear surreal or dystopian, yet they also evoke a sense of familiarity and dreamlike paradise. From renowned galleries like Victoria Miro to Girl skateboard decks, de Balincourt’s work captivates diverse audiences, establishing him as a staple in the fine art world.
An Artistic Shift towards the Political
In a conversation between contemporary artists Jules de Balincourt and Marcel Dzama, the topic of political influence arises. De Balincourt acknowledges that his recent work has taken a more political turn, particularly in response to the Trump era. Although he never saw himself as a political artist, the prevailing political climate stirred a dark reaction in his creations. Speaks to his sensitivity and awareness of the world, de Balincourt believes it is crucial to speak out against Trump as a means of standing against him. When it comes to his artistic process, de Balincourt’s paintings begin intuitively, without a predetermined image or idea. They organically evolve from an abstract space into recognizable figurative forms, representing the crossroads where abstraction meets reality.
Exploring Themes of Community and Hope
Marcel Dzama notes the strong sense of community evident in de Balincourt’s work. Populated by vibrant communities and brightly colored panels, his paintings exude a profound sense of humanity. Dzama finds solace in the hopefulness conveyed by de Balincourt’s work, in contrast to his own tendency towards negativity. He wonders if de Balincourt’s images are inspired by real-life scenes, such as his love for surfing in Costa Rica, or if they stem from a place of imagination. De Balincourt humorously admits that despite his efforts to explore new directions, these communities of people keep reappearing, representing spaces that teeter between utopia and post-apocalyptic visions.
An Exploration of Art through Music
The conversation between de Balincourt and Dzama delves into the concept of translating art into music. Dzama ponders over the musical representation of de Balincourt’s work and vice versa. De Balincourt suggests that his art could be akin to a lost home recording featuring Vincent Price’s vocals layered over Anton Karas’s haunting zither. When it comes to his artistic process, de Balincourt’s playlist is diverse, ranging from Bollywood music to West African pop, Serge Gainsbourg to new bands, reflecting the varied spectrum of inspirations that accompany his artwork.
The Influence of Nature and Travel
Nature, landscapes, and the human relationship with the natural world emerge as recurring themes in de Balincourt’s work. His deep connection to Costa Rica and travel, in general, serves as a significant source of inspiration. Having visited Costa Rica for over two decades, de Balincourt is currently building a house and studio there, which will also function as an artists’