Empreintes

Choose the color of the frame: black or wood

Sophie Dumont offers a poignant reflection on collective memory and the persistence of books in human history. This abstract composition, developed from mixed techniques combining painting, collage, and tearing, transcends simple visual representation to become an artistic manifesto on the necessity of preserving intellectual heritage.

The creative process, where the fabric is glued, painted, and then torn to leave only its imprint, gives the work a striking materiality. Each trace, both delicate and fragmentary, evokes the gradual disappearance of physical objects while affirming their residual existence through their imprints. This process symbolizes the fragility of books as material objects, but also their ability to permeate history and collective thought sustainably.

The dominance of blues, ranging from light and ethereal shades to deep and intense tones, creates a contemplative and timeless atmosphere. These blues, associated with reflection and spirituality, reinforce the idea of an immaterial transmission of knowledge. The beige and off-white background, soft and neutral, acts as a silent support, reminding us of the neutrality of the paper on which stories are inscribed.

The organization of the canvas into irregular blocks, evoking aligned or stacked books, gives a visual rhythm to the work. Each imprint, although distinct, seems to dialogue with the others, forming an abstract library where each element carries a unique voice. The absence of figurative details leaves ample room for interpretation, inviting the viewer to project their own memories and readings.

Surpasses simple aesthetics to become a reflection on cultural transmission and memory. By partially erasing the books to retain only their imprint, the artist evokes the fragility of human memory and the necessity of preserving knowledge for future generations. This work reminds us that books, although ephemeral as physical objects, leave an indelible mark in history.