4me4you presents the artist Colette LaVette and her artwork titled 'Fruitful Lands'.
PROCESS
Tiitled 'Fruitful Lands', Colette LaVette intricately weaves a tale of a mystical realm where utopia and dystopia intertwine, offering a lyrical depiction of human nature.
‘Fruitful Lands‘.
‘Fruitful Lands’ narrates the story of a mystical realm, where utopia and dystopia are intertwined in the lyrical portrayal of human nature…
LaVette’s practice borrows attributes from Rococo aesthetic, characterised by elaborate and ornamental decorations, lightness, delicate chromatic palette and a focus on the fantastical.
Yet, while fascinated by the gentle romanticism and opulence of this style, the artist is concerned with grounding her narratives in more accurate representations of what it means to be human in its primordial sense.
Her subjects, unlike those typically seen in Rococo art, defy static portrayal, existing fluidly within their surroundings, inviting viewers into intimate, spontaneous moments frozen in time.
Through intuitive, expressionist strokes, LaVette’s paintings continually unveil new layers, prompting viewers to embark on a visceral introspection.
The artist’s choice of materials further enhances the connection to nature and human history. Mixing linseed and lavender oil with natural pigments like ochres, lapis lazuli, and iron oxides, LaVette creates a palette that resonates with the human eye, echoing the muted tones of the natural world.
These pigments, reminiscent of those used in prehistoric cave paintings, evoke contemplation on the evolution of art and society, bridging the gap between past and present.
Deliberately chosen subjects, such as young figures symbolising inner children and felines representing humanity’s dual nature, serve as metaphorical anchors, prompting viewers to reflect on their primal instincts and connection to the natural world.
Through her art, LaVette challenges us to reconsider our relationship with societal norms, encouraging a reconnection with our primal selves and a deeper understanding of our shared human experience across time.