Mathieu Questel

Artistic approach : Through my paintings, I depict the representation of California using skaters and surfers from the 70s and 80s, an idyllic period that has left its mark on me. I want to express a rebellion against the current society, alluding to a freedom that is increasingly lost. I conceal the realism of my canvases with raw, grungy drips that symbolize the ephemeral nature of this freedom. I use dark colors to reveal the invisible marks and scars that modern society leaves on individuals. By using oil painting, I create rich textures and subtle nuances, offering emotional depth to my artworks. My dark paintings contrast with the often romanticized and idealized notion of California in the 70s and 80s. My artistic approach combines the aesthetics of vintage Americanization with a critical view of current reality. I want my paintings to captivate the viewer by presenting them with a nuanced interpretation of society and prompting reflection on the loss of freedom, climate regression, and the necessity of rebellion in an ever-changing world.