Post by : Rameen Ariff

By Dr. Amrinder P Singh, for ArtDomain A50 — Dubai

The Emergence of a Creative Force.

Rouen, Normandy — a charming city where the mist from the English Channel often wraps around the ancient Gothic cathedrals. Here, Fabien Marchand first experienced the beauty of light and shadow, long before touching a paintbrush. "I grew up near the ocean, amidst rich histories," he reflects, his tone imbued with contemplative wisdom. "Perhaps it was during school visits to Versailles that I first felt beauty communicate at a level deeper than words."

Coming from a humble, intellectually engaged family, Marchand's initial inspirations were not prominent artists or critics, but two uncles with paint-splattered hands and studios full of potential. "Visiting their creative space was eye-opening," he shares. "It felt like stepping into an alternate universe — colors, tools, and canvases all narrating untold stories."

This formative experience fueled a lifelong passion. "I didn’t receive a formal education in art," he acknowledges, a hint of a smile on his face. "My knowledge stems from curiosity, literature, and engaging discussions. Art became my second language — one that transcends everyday noise."

Transforming Curiosity into Creative Passion

Fabien's childhood was filled with simple pleasures of exploration — biking through the hills, swimming in streams, and crafting secret hideouts. However, beneath that simplicity lay a profound fascination with rhythm, structure, and sound. "Music was my first love," he confides. "It flows like color, filling the air with vibrance."

This interplay of melody and motion has become a fundamental aspect of his visual artistry. When reminiscing about his inaugural painting, he chuckles softly. "It was a tiny abstract piece — a Naples yellow backdrop adorned with aubergine purple shapes. Even then, I sought a balance between simplicity and emotion. That early canvas still graces my in-laws’ wall — my initial conversation between instinct and intellect."

Embracing the Freedom of Art

When discussing his artistic style, Fabien rejects limitation. "I have no defined style," he asserts. "To label one is to confine your creativity. Each piece is a rebellion against monotony — an unrestrained gesture of liberty. When people say, 'You've altered your style,' I respond, 'No, I've maintained my freedom.'"

His creative process begins, intriguingly, with a black background. From this darkness, color bursts forth. "Black amplifies the vibrancy of all other hues," he elaborates. "It serves as the silence before the symphony unfolds." Following this, intuition leads the way — a spontaneous expression where thought gives way to feeling. "Deliberation transitions to movements. And from those movements, creativity emerges."

With every brush, knife, and color, Fabien lets the tools become an extension of his thoughts. "I recognize each tool by feel," he says with reverence. "They are akin to old companions who know the pressure of my hand intimately."

His artworks pulsate with kinetic vitality — torrents of hues in constant flux. "Movement and vitality characterise my art," he explains. "They embody the inherent force of the human spirit within each piece."

The Essence of a Colorist

Critics often refer to Fabien Marchand as a color poet. He admits, "Color encapsulates emotion, it evokes memory." Hues like blue, yellow, and black for him are not mere pigments but vibrant sensations. "When starting a new series, I carefully select my palette. Here lies the foundation of emotion, the chords of harmony and contrast that follow."

The seasons, landscapes, and ocean frequently influence his creations. "The sea speaks a universal dialect — it promises tranquility," he ponders. "In the quietude of autumn and winter, I create in solitude; in summer, I carry my watercolors to the shore. Nature’s rhythm sets my creative pace."

In contrast to many contemporary artists venturing into the digital realm, Fabien cherishes the tactile nature of paint and canvas. "Digital creation lacks the aroma of turpentine, the texture's resistance. It's about feeling. Art must be experienced through touch, not through screens."

Atelier Marchand — A Harmonious Collaboration

While freedom shapes Fabien’s individual journey, Atelier Marchand represents his collaborative evolution. The partnership with his brother Olivier embodies a unique artistic synergy. "Together, we create a third artist — one existing beyond our physical forms."

Their inaugural exhibition at the friend-owned La Gannerie in France was transformative — numerous canvases, throngs of patrons, and their first sales. "That day altered everything," he recalls. "Witnessing strangers connect with our work was akin to touching another life force."

Since then, their artistic reach has ventured far and wide, touching spaces in Ecuador, visiting cities they’d yet to explore. "Contemplating that someone far away might resonate with your brushstroke — it encapsulates the miracle of art," he shares.

Fabien’s world now includes projects with artists from Germany, Tunisia, and Mali — expanding the ethos of Atelier Marchand to create a truly global artistic movement. "Co-creation inspires me," he confides. "It's about exchanging passions while honoring individuality. Art flourishes within conversation."

ArtDomain A50 — Bridging Cultures

As the first French artist selected for Dubai's A50 initiative under ArtDomain, Fabien Marchand epitomizes the link between European traditions and Middle Eastern innovations. "It's a privilege and a challenge," he expresses proudly. "To embody France amongst a constellation of fifty global artists — it highlights art's universal language."

For him, art transcends spoken language. "Everyone, anywhere, can relate to a painting," he emphasizes. "Its grammar lays in colors, movements, and silence."

His obsession with duality — silence and motion, light and shadow, time and eternity — characterizes this period of his journey. "Time knows no boundaries," he reflects. "Ocean waves dictate its rhythm. Painting them becomes a method of embracing that intoxicating chaos — the infinite beauty of existence."

He welcomes Dubai not just as a dynamic metropolis but as a representation of ambitious human aspiration. "To have an interest in the Middle East," he notes, "is to engage with the future."

A Humanist with a Universal Palette

Beyond technical skills and achievement, Marchand’s most profound legacy is humanism. "Art fosters tranquility," he remarks softly. "Much like music, it eases the soul." His philosophy crystallizes into three ideas: Reflection. Eclecticism. Sensitivity.

When asked about the desired impact of his paintings, he replies promptly: "Surprise! It's the most genuine emotion. Surprise ignites instinct — it bypasses rational thought and speaks to the heart directly."

And if future generations were to display his works in a museum? Fabien smiles, humility glimmering in his eyes.
"I would desire the inscription to read simply: Enjoy your time. Because that's the essence of art: a moment frozen between the observer and eternity."

Endless Creativity

For Fabien Marchand, creation is perpetual. Each finished piece suggests the emergence of another. "Completing a canvas isn't the end," he indicates. "It's a promise for the next one." In this infinite cycle of exploration, diligence, and astonishment, Marchand embodies not just an artist but a philosopher of liberation — someone who paints not to seize life, but to set it free.

From the misty shores of Normandy to the luminous skyline of Dubai, his journey proves that art serves as the ultimate gateway to infinity.

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