Hypnotic Vibrations 7 – Stella de Belligny

Analysis of the work “Hypnotic Vibrations 7” 

The work “Vibrations Hypnotiques 7” by Stella de Belligny is inspired by the aesthetic of the famous artist Pierre Soulages, particularly in the use of light and shadows to create emotional and visual depth. This painting, with its repeated horizontal lines, evokes a hypnotic rhythm that immediately captures the viewer's attention, plunging them into an introspective meditation.

Exploration of lines and movement: The horizontal lines that dominate the composition give the work a sense of continuous, fluid movement, reminiscent of the ebb and flow of waves on an ocean or the incessant passage of wind across an open plain. Each band of color, each streak, appears to vibrate slightly, creating a sense of life and dynamism in what might otherwise be a static space. This repetition of patterns, typical of the minimalist style influenced by Soulages, invites the viewer to linger, to follow the subtle movements that emanate from the canvas.

Color Palette and Atmosphere: The colors focus primarily on tones of Payne's gray and shades of black and white, creating an atmosphere of mystery and depth. These hues, although dark, are not overwhelming; on the contrary, they exude a silent serenity, a form of contemplation which encourages inner reflection. Payne's use of gray, a color often associated with temperance and sobriety, amplifies the calming effect of the work, making the experience of looking at the canvas almost therapeutic.

Harmony and reflection on the environment: The vibrations and ripples present in the work suggest a hidden harmony, as if the forces of nature were playing a silent symphony. This visual approach invites deep reflection on humanity's impact on the environment. By imitating the natural patterns of waves and winds, the artist evokes the intrinsic beauty of nature, but also its fragility in the face of change. This work, while being an aesthetic exploration, also carries a subtle message about the need to preserve this delicate balance.

Well-being and impact on the viewer: Looking at this painting is a calming experience. The regular lines and fluid movement evoke feelings of stability and continuity. This hypnotic effect can help calm the mind, reduce stress and encourage a meditative state. The work thus becomes a tool for well-being, creating a visual space where the viewer can recharge their batteries, connect to natural elements, and lose themselves in the contemplation of a subtle and comforting beauty.

The influence of Pierre Soulages in Belligny's work adds an additional dimension, characteristic of the French master's works. Using reflected light and playing with subtle textures, the artist creates a space in which the viewer can feel at peace, enveloped by darkness that reveals an inner light. This striking and calming contrast helps focus the mind, reducing visual and mental noise, providing a moment of rest and calm. The inspiration of Pierre Soulages, master of the beyond black, is strongly felt. Known for his ability to manipulate light through dark surfaces, he influenced many artists with his exploration of the depth of matter. His innovative use of black, not as an absence of color, but as a source of reflected light, finds a powerful echo in his work as in that of Stella de Beligny .

Why an influence from Pierre Soulages? In the painting, the artist takes up some of the fundamental principles of Soulages' approach. Through the use of shades of gray and black, the artist manages to capture a subtle light that seems to emanate from the surface of the canvas itself. The horizontal streaks are reminiscent of Soulages' textured brushwork effects, where each line and brushstroke is calculated to play with light, creating a dynamic interaction between material and shadow. His technique evokes the way Soulages used texture to bring his works to life. In “Vibrations Hypnotiques 7”, the imprint is palpable, almost tactile, encouraging the viewer to explore not only with the eyes, but also through an imaginary sensation of touch. Textured surfaces catch light differently, each streak adding a dimension of depth and hypnotic rhythm, creating a silent dance of reflections and shadows.

Resonance with the Philosophy of Soulages: Pierre Soulages has often spoken of his fascination for what he calls “black-light”, where the absence of color becomes a space for reflection and contemplation. Stella de Belligny, in her interpretation of this philosophy, uses grays and blacks to create an introspective space, an invitation to meditation. By evoking natural elements such as ocean waves or the undulations of the landscape, she takes up Soulages' idea that light and darkness are inseparable, each enriching the other.