Chiaroscuro 10/23/2015 – Stella de Belligny

Analysis of the work

The work “Clair obscur” created in 2015 by Stella de Belligny is a perfect continuation of her artistic exploration of nature and the abstract, while underlining her commitment to the materiality and emotional depth of painting. Through this piece, the artist continues to explore the themes of light and shadow, presence and absence, while highlighting his intimate relationship with the natural environment.

1. Color Palette and Lighting : “Clair obscur” uses a restrained palette of peaty tones, off-white and deep black. This color combination creates a striking contrast between light and dark areas, evoking the dramatic effect of chiaroscuro, a historic painting technique that uses contrasts of light to create an illusion of volume and depth. Tints of brown and black suggest natural elements like rock and soil, while lighter areas can recall light from the sky or a reflection on water. This play of colors helps capture the essence of the transition from day to night, or the constant interaction between light and dark in nature.
2. Texturality and material :. The layers of paint, pigment applications and ink effects give the surface of the canvas a tactile, almost organic quality. These textures appear to mimic natural formations, such as weathered cliffs or weathered earthen surfaces, evoking a deep connection with the natural landscape. This textuality encourages the viewer to feel the materiality of nature and explore the sensory qualities of the work.
3. Themes of transformation and movement : As in her other works, she emphasizes movement and transformation. The flowing lines and subtle transitions between tones suggest a constantly changing landscape, illustrating the ephemeral nature of the natural world. This sense of movement is also enhanced by the drips of paint running down the canvas, imitating rain or flowing water, which adds to the sense of life and dynamism inherent in the work.
4. Symbolism of Light and Shadow : The title “Clair Obscure” is not only a reference to painting technique, but it also evokes deeper themes of duality and contrast in life and nature. Light and darkness often symbolize opposing concepts such as knowledge and ignorance, life and death, or hope and despair. Stella appears to play on these oppositions to create a visual and emotional tension that engages the viewer, pushing them to reflect on their own experiences of contrast and balance.

Impact and interpretation

“Clair obscur” is an invitation to introspection and contemplation. The juxtaposition of light and shadow, combined with the rich textures, allows the viewer to get lost in the depth of the canvas, connecting with primordial elements of nature and life itself. This work, like others, can be used as a medium in art therapy, where engagement with the canvas can lead to an exploration of personal feelings of clarity and confusion, safety and mystery.

The work offers an experience of inner well-being, in part thanks to the artist's training in image aesthetics linked to the search for well-being, or even therapy. She knows how to harness the psychological impact of colors and textures to create a space with which the viewer can find comfort, calming, or even emotional release. In contemplating “Clair Obscure,” we are encouraged to accept the existence of dualities and recognize the beauty that emerges from this dance between light and darkness.