He finds in mountain landscapes an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Vincent Ganaye exhibits around forty paintings and drawings at the General Council of the Vosges in Epinal.
Whether he walks the paths of the Vosges with a camera in hand or works in his paint studio, Vincent Ganaye never ceases to tell about nature and the mountain, especially when it escapes all human imprint. The one who grew up in daily contact with forests, ponds and rivers is interested in his latest exhibition in the Route des Crêtes, the blue line of the Vosges and well beyond.
“Go find other peaks”
behind the blue line, this is the title of the exhibition devoted to him at the General Council of the Vosges in Epinal. A title that evokes the territory he cherishes but not only. “This is the line of inspiration, explains the artist, the paint line. Beyond all my mountain getaways, what I’ve also been looking for is another way of looking at the mountains, of looking for other peaks, other universes.”
Through some forty canvases made with tempera (a very old water-based paint) and black chalk drawings, the artist here offers an extension of his walks. In the Vosges of course, but also in the French Alps. Bright, intense works.
I am basically a photographer. Painting allows me to escape the reality of photography and go a little further.
Vincent Ganayepainter and photographer
He often begins his works with a line, then a succession of lines that he works like words. “This is the genesis of the painting”, he confides. “I like to talk about graphic writing. It’s made with black stone and paper, something very simple and it’s from there that my whole universe will be built.”
The simplicity of techniques and colors: lThe monochromes of blacks, blues and grays are distilled. Under Vincent Ganaye’s brush, the winter lights regain their density and power. They offer a feeling of fullness and communion with these inspiring landscapes.
“Beyond the Blue Line”at the Vosges Departmental Council in Epinal until September 8, 2023.
