Winning work
The Aix Les Bains exhibition ended this Thursday, September 29, 2022 and began on September 10. Many artists with varied styles have hung their works in the Moorish hall of the Grand Cercle Casino in the city of Aix Les Bains. The artists present were: Annie Chapastel, Nawel Aubert, Bhéatrice Canard, Murielle Bonniec, Viktoria Laurent Skrabalova, Michèle Bohly, Jean-Marc Lemasson, Jody, Frederic Guedon, Eric Dubarry, Erika Mykula, Evelyne Puech, Stephanie Vernières, Patricia Grangier, Marie -Pierre Musseau, Elena Le Goupil, Laure-Anne Bocquel, Patrick Pradier, Marlène Hue and Alain Rouschmeyer.
The public vote awarded first prize to the work “L'IMPORTANT C'EST…” by Alain Rouschmeyer - acrylic work on linen canvas 70 x 70.
An honorary mention was awarded to this same work in the figurative category by Mondial Art Academia in January 2022
Contemporary figurative painting: the importance of narration in a work
Contemporary figurative painting is a popular art style that uses realistic images to tell a story. In this category we find paintings that explore human nature, personal experiences, social commentary and much more. The work "THE IMPORTANT IS..." is an excellent example of contemporary figurative painting of a narrative type.
The title of this work is in itself an invitation to reflect on the importance of what is represented. However, the first thing that attracts attention in this painting is the choice of the character lying on the banks of a lake. Why did you choose this man? What does it represent? What is the message behind this image? This is what we will discover together.
The choice of character
The character is a man, lying on the banks of a lake. Its position can evoke relaxation, contemplation or reflection. However, the bucket with a rose next to him and the smartphone he consults give us clues about his personality and his state of mind.
The bucket with a rose can be interpreted as a symbol of romance, love, passion or sacrifice. Is this man brooding over his lost love? Or is he planning a romantic surprise for someone special?
The smartphone in his hand can be interpreted as a symbol of connection, communication or isolation. Is this man sharing an important moment with someone through social media? Or is he cutting himself off from the outside world to concentrate on himself?
The choice of decor
The setting for this work is the misty lake with 3 mooring buoys and a black-headed gull passing over the man. The lake can represent stability, serenity or change. Mist can represent confusion, uncertainty, or darkness.
Buoys can represent safety, orientation or abandonment. Is this man waiting for someone or something that will never come? Or is he looking for a new direction for his life?
The seagull can represent freedom, flight or lightness. Is this man freeing himself from a weight that has been affecting him for a long time? Or is he confronting a reality that is beyond him?
The choice of clothing style
The man's clothing style is pizzaiolo type. Why did you choose this style? Does this have any special meaning? The choice of clothing style can be interpreted as an allusion to Italian culture, cuisine, work or leisure.
Clothing style can also be interpreted as a metaphor for identity, belonging or difference. Is this man fully assuming his personality without worrying about the judgments of others? Or is he hiding behind an appearance to avoid confronting reality?
The message of the work
All of these artistic choices in this work invite us to reflect on the meaning of life, on our identities, our relationships and our choices. The man lying on the banks of the lake is a metaphor for our existence, in perpetual movement, between the past and the future, between love and solitude, between stability and change.
The bucket with a rose can remind us that love is a powerful force that can inspire us and give us courage. The smartphone can remind us that technology can be a source of connection or distraction, depending on our use. The misty lake with the buoys and the seagull can remind us that life is full of uncertainties and challenges, but it is possible to find our own way.
The pizza chef style of clothing can remind us that we all have a unique identity and that we should be proud of who we are, without being afraid of what others will look at. In short, this work invites us to reflect on the importance of our choices, our actions and our relationships in our lives.
Conclusion
“THE IMPORTANT IS…” is a work of art that invites us to reflect on our own existence. The artistic choices in this work, such as the character, the setting and the style of clothing, give us clues to the meaning of this image. Ultimately, this work reminds us that life is an exciting journey, full of challenges and surprises, but that we have the power to choose our own direction.
