Les messagers

Against a rich background of yellow, blue and green, two figures stand out, their bodies entirely covered with transparent lighters. They contain rolled-up pieces of paper that reveal fragments of text, like so many secret messages. The colored tips of the lighters compliment the chromatic and formal composition of the work, which is reminiscent of the symbolism of Gustave Klimt's paintings. Yet the presence of these discarded objects breaks with his gold-leaf tradition in favor of a contemporary culture of reuse, and participates in the elaborate dialogue between cultures. The brushstrokes and characters combine references to Jean-Michel Basquiat's neo-expressionist style with the reservoir of forms found in African art. At once a dialogue between different artistic influences and a bearer of imaginary messages, this work seems to intercede to reconnect the viewer with his or her fantasized correspondent.