Lecture en bleu majeur

In her work "Reading in Major Blue", Sophie Dumont immerses us in a chromatic symphony dominated by deep and luminous shades of blue, which could be likened to musical modulations. The restricted palette, which unfolds through a vertical and structured composition, creates an atmosphere that is both meditative and rhythmic, where each band of color seems to vibrate independently while forming an overall harmony.

This painting can be interpreted as a visual metaphor for reading, where each band could represent a page, a chapter, or even a note in a musical score. Blue, a color often associated with serenity and depth, becomes here the main protagonist, rendered in different tones ranging from intense cobalt to pastel shades. These chromatic transitions give the work a sense of movement, almost fluid, as if the viewer is invited to follow a continuous flow of thoughts or melodies.

From a technical point of view, Dumont employs a bold application of paint, alternating between vigorous brush strokes and subtler textures, thus creating a tactile diversity. This juxtaposition of textures enhances the sense of dynamism and evokes a dialogue between the smooth surfaces and the rougher areas. The use of black and ochre tones, although discreet, offers visual counterpoints, accentuating the contrast and anchoring the composition in a form of visual balance.

The influence of artists from lyrical abstraction and color field painting is felt in "Reading in Major Blue". The bands of color evoke the work of Hans Hofmann or Morris Louis, two masters of modernism who explored the expressive potential of pure color. However, where these artists often focused on the interaction between colors as such, Dumont seems to go further by integrating a visual, even musical, narrative in her use of blues.

The black frame surrounding the canvas acts as a space of confinement, holding this explosion of colors and rhythms within the composition. This choice creates a marked contrast between the internal energy of the work and the limit imposed by the frame, perhaps symbolizing the tension between freedom and structure, a recurring theme in contemporary artistic explorations.

Conclusion : "Reading in Major Blue" positions itself at the crossroads of painting and music, where colors become notes and the canvas, a visual score. Sophie Dumont invites us to a sensory and introspective experience, where the depth of blues dialogues with light and movement, creating a work that is as fascinating as it is contemplative.