This exhibition delves into the artist's process of creation, where sketches emerge from the "found shapes" of nature. Inspired by the interplay of lines and forms, each piece evolves from the memory of a place, shaped by repetition, mark-making, and negative space. Through this journey, sketches and collages transform into paintings or wooden structures, revealing the organic progression of the artist’s vision.
Karine Léger has always had a special affinity for painting and drawing and her artistic vision has evolved through photography, collage, and painting.
She enjoys observing her surroundings and is particularly drawn to quiet places. The process of repeating patterns and achieving harmony between forms deeply resonates with her, offering a profound sense of calm. Over time, her artistic process has evolved into a meditative ritual.
Each painting begins with a sketch, either hand-drawn, collaged, or digitally rendered, reflecting her vision for the final piece. To achieve balance within her composition, she creates a layout of the colours and textures she plans to use. Before approaching the canvas, Léger studies the interactions between shapes and colours at length to ensure harmony.
Once satisfied with her vision, she transcribes the refined sketch onto the canvas and applies successive layers of thin acrylic paint. This method allows different shapes, textures, and depths to gradually reveal themselves. She lets each layer fully dry before continuing, using this pause to step back and reflect on the evolving piece.
Léger’s inspiration is deeply rooted in nature and its many manifestations. Landscapes become metaphors, and memories serve as catalysts for transformation. These inspirations manifest in various forms, from vivid memories to the ambivalence between the comfort of the familiar and the contradictory urge for the unknown. She also draws inspiration from poetry and music.
