Hangar 14 – Jicé

Analysis of the work Hangar 14 by Jicé

The work explores a theme central to his work: industrial aesthetics and the relationship between man and his constructions. Through this composition, the artist captures the essence of an industrial space, a hangar, an emblematic place of human activity linked to work, storage and the transformation of materials. But under the eye of Jicé , this place takes on a poetic dimension.

Hangar 14 presents a structured composition, dominated by lines and geometric shapes which recall the rigidity of the metal structures of hangars and other warehouses. The viewer's gaze is drawn upwards, where the steel beams and glass ceiling create an impressive perspective. The natural light filtering through this glass roof transforms this cold and utilitarian space into a place of great formal beauty. The beams, horizontal and vertical lines play with each other, creating a complex network of shapes that recall the mathematical harmony of a well-organized space. The depth of the painting is accentuated by this perspective which invites the viewer to project themselves into the space of the hangar. The use of light creates a strong contrast between the areas plunged into shadow, with dark and cold tones, and the spaces bathed in light which seems to filter gently through the glass roof. This contrast between darkness and light plays an essential role in the composition, reinforcing the mysterious yet functional atmosphere of the place.

Colors and light: Jicé uses a color palette rich in contrasts to capture the texture and atmosphere of this industrial space. Deep blues and blacks dominate the upper portion of the work, representing the shadow and metal structure of the ceiling. Below, the yellows and golds bring an unexpected warmth, illuminating the picture and giving this shed a surprising vitality. These warm colors, combined with the natural light that enters the space, introduce a lively dimension into what might otherwise be perceived as a cold, disembodied space. Light, a recurring element in Jicé , is central to the composition here. It filters through dirty or partially damaged windows, bringing a touch of realism, but also a form of softness. The light in this painting perhaps symbolizes hope, the life that persists even in places apparently deserted by humans, or the way in which nature manages to penetrate environments created by humans. This play of light enhances the textures of the painting, accentuating the effect of the material on the canvas.

Drawing, texture and material: In the work Hangar 14 , Jicé uses the poncif , a traditional technique often used to transfer a preliminary drawing to a canvas. Stenciling involves perforating a design along the main contours, then dabbing the canvas with charcoal or chalk powder to reproduce the essential lines. This method allows the artist to maintain the precision of the lines of his composition while allowing great freedom of interpretation in the application of color and texture. In Hangar 14 , Jicé appears to have used this method to establish the geometric structures of the hangar, particularly the architectural lines and metal beams. This allows him to maintain rigor in the elements of the composition while playing freely with light and shadows, which are worked in a more expressive and fluid way. The use of the stencil ensures that the structural balance of the work is respected, while offering Jicé Jicé opportunity to add a personal and artistic dimension in the textural and colorful details.

Texture plays an important role in Hangar 14 . Jicé uses a mixed technique here which adds material and depth to his work. The surfaces of the hangar are marked by brushstrokes which evoke rust, the wear and tear of time and abandonment. The inscriptions on the walls, half erased, reinforce this idea of ​​a space marked by past human activity, but now prey to degradation. The different planes of the composition are worked in such a way as to create a visual stratification, where the layers of paint seem to be superimposed like so many memories of the place. The traces visible on the walls, the marks, the effects of rust and dilapidation are all signs which remind us that these spaces, although forgotten, have a history. This materiality gives the work a tactile and immersive character.

Symbolism and interpretation: The very title of the work, Hangar 14 , refers to a specific, numbered place, recalling the functional and industrial dimension of the subject. However, Jicé transforms this space into a place of reflection on time, memory and aesthetics. The hangar, often perceived as a purely utilitarian space, here becomes a metaphor for the passage of time, human presence and its mark on the world. The inscriptions visible on the walls of the hangar add an additional dimension to the interpretation. They suggest a past history, bygone activities, but also leave room for the imagination. What do these letters mean? What events marked this space? These inscriptions, half erased, symbolize the way in which memory decomposes over time, leaving behind ambiguous traces.