Contemporary artist Ladislas Combeuil depicts painting with wood chisels; he plays with illusion and an impossible ideal by creating perfectly structured pieces in a controlled space.
I could compare my artistic practice to that of a hermit who comes out of his cave to face the world. History is important to me. If I had to define my role as an artist, it would perhaps be to join in the continuity of this history.
How did your tryst with art begin?
I started to be interested in painting when I was studying philosophy in 2009-2010. My mother had received a set of oil paints as a gift, that’s how I started to paint. Painting allowed me to open perspectives that philosophy does not allow. It’s a wordless practice. So, I decided to study at the Beaux-Arts in Angers, France.
I was 20-years-old and didn’t know much about art history or contemporary art. So I learned almost everything in my school, thanks to my friends, teachers and my curiosity!
Studio 2019.
What is the primary role of an artist? How do you describe yourself in the context of challenging people’s perspectives via your work and art?
I don’t think that an artist should have a particular role. It is up to each one to decide his commitments and the role which he wishes to have. Personally, I could compare my artistic practice to that of a hermit who comes out of his cave to face the world. History is important to me. If I had to define my role as an artist, it would perhaps be to join in the continuity of this history. As Marcel Duchamp said, “Art is a game between all people of all periods.”
Citadelle.
How do you deal with the conceptual difficulty and uncertainty of creating work?
When I work, I start by doing a lot of research on certain forms or certain artists. I have a crush on sculptures, paintings or artists and I decide to work with it. I try to create bridges between certain works from different eras, mix things that apparently have nothing to do with each other. Painting, even if I do not paint strictly speaking, is never far away.
Claustra.
Let’s talk about the evolution of your practice over the years. Tell us about your commitment to your current medium.
My work today is mainly sculptural, in relation to the space in which it is installed. The brushstrokes turned into a wood chisel stroke, and the painting becomes sculpture. Many of my works are produced with the materials inherent in painting like wood, canvas and staples.
I do not forbid myself any materials, but wood holds an important place in my practice. It started after a long trip to India in 2014 when I decided to work directly on plywood panels. These are reminiscent of the stained glass windows of churches or moucharabiehs.
Formes en transit.
Lets talk about your career, or if you prefer artistic journey.
I finished my studies in 2015 and had my first solo exhibition the following year at the Silicone Gallery in Bordeaux, which was very important for me. It was the first time that I could show different works and link them together. It was also at that time that I made my first gallery sales!
Sous bois.
What are you working on now? What’s coming next season?
For my next project, I will also work with Irwin Marchal, the director of the Silicone and curator of La Fôret d’Art Contemporain. I have planned to turn the entire ceiling of a chapel into openwork plywood panels. This long-term project should be completed in 2020.
Before you go – you might like to browse our Artist Interviews. Interviews of artists and outliers on how to be an artist. Contemporary artists on the source of their creative inspiration.
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