Frédéric Forest, ‘The Best Line’

Frédéric Forest, 'The Best Line' Film

In the heart of summer, Frédéric Forest embarking on a 10-day artistic journey at La Maison de la Chapelle. Upon his arrival, Frédéric had already committed to immersing himself on all levels throughout his creative journey with us. From the top of a cliff into a waterfall, from the workshop to the gardens, from the hiking trails to the poolside, from the lake to the river, Frederic – always in motion – used the residency to formalize a new creative direction for his work.

“The moment I felt it all come together, I was overcome by a sense of peace and gratefulness for taking this long-awaited creative “break”. What struck me most was how my artistic marks, crafted since my earliest memories, evolved in shape and significance while retaining their inherent identity. I will never forget this unique experience, shared with Kim & Garen at La Maison, my now Southern “home away from home.”” – Frédéric Forest

Frédéric’s latest series, ‘Fragments and Echoes’, developed during this residency at the height of summer 2023, signifies a pivotal shift from his iconic line drawings to exploring the realms of abstract painting. These initial études, influenced by the surrounding Provencal nature, lay the groundwork for a series of large-scale paintings that beautifully intertwine his love for design and architecture. “The South of France is a region quite dear to me. I am drawn to the authentic typology of the landscapes, architecture, odors, radiances, and colors that are so familiar to me. Creating something new in a familiar setting was very exciting – not to mention the idea of leaving a mark, almost as if handing off the baton to the next resident following my stay.”

In his work, Frédéric skillfully incorporates key elements of twentieth-century painting—grids, layers, and dynamic marks—creating a sense of perpetual transformation. These vibrant paintings are a testament to his ability to blend color, space, and movement, reflecting his deep understanding of identity and beauty. “Preparing for my residency, I was filled with both anticipation and trepidation as I embarked on this new artistic journey at this stage of my career. Each morning at La Maison, I would wake up at dawn with a rush of creative energy that I immediately put down on paper, filling 2 sketchbooks during my stay. As my project unfolded, I realized how seamlessly my lifelong artistic themes intertwined with these new concepts.”

The painted fresco evolved from the discovery and exploration of the forms in my experimentations on paper. The resulting piece of art now has its own independent existence, becoming a new form, now creating a potentially infinite number of interactions and interrelations with the viewers that will encounter it. “It is my hope to document this piece over time, requesting that each future resident be photographed in front of it as a way of sharing my experience with them and witnessing the mural evolve over time, throughout the seasons.”

Alongside this series, Frédéric’s artistic journey continues with an upcoming in situ performance at Frieze London 2024 and the release of his book, ‘The Art of the Line in Drawing’. His residency at La Maison de La Chapelle has not only left an indelible mark on our space but has also heralded a new chapter in his artistic exploration.