"The abstract expression allows me an approach of the existential themes in a less abrupt manner. I can organize the space and look for beauty, calm and balance, it’s my way to find a sort of reassurance. It allows me to question the viewer, to find his own emotions."
The Speerstra Gallery is pleased to present, for the first time in Switzerland, French paper cut artist Antoine Casals aka "The Wizard". Five of his latest works are displayed on the gallery walls.
"The abstract expression allows me an approach of the existential themes in a less abrupt manner. I can organize the space and look for beauty, calm and balance, it’s my way to find a sort of reassurance. It allows me to question the viewer, to find his own emotions."
The Wizard is a French artist from Montpellier who has based his work on volumes and perspectives since the beginning. Using a combination of different materials such as wood, cardboard and raw material dump he creates a misleading world denouncing Man’s place in our consumer society. His approach is fairly unique since he has used cardboard as his main medium since 2004, improving his technique little by little and paying great attention to details. With his rigid material cut into geometrical pieces with a scalpel, he has creates his own world of freedom. His technique using coats of collage enables him to overcome the mere size of paper to reach a tridimensional and architectural world.The superposition and accumulation of little pieces give life to his paper works without being noticed. His research trip makes it possible for him to turn this raw material into a permanent work of art. Its fragility reminds us of Human destiny. This approach and transformation make people watching his works feel uneasy because there is always a sense of failure and impossibility in them. Whether they are abstract or representational, these thousands of geometrical and colorful designs give food for thought.
© Antoine Casals / © Speerstra Gallery