Jerome Mesnager - Palisade Door 43, 2003

The work you are contemplating is a striking painting on wood, signed and dated by the artist in 1983. Expertly conceived, it represents a stylized human figure, whose form is marked by touches of white paint. The limbs of this figure are reduced to rounded and angular segments, summarizing the human anatomy to its most essential elements. The body, in a dynamic and even acrobatic position, seems caught in a moment of intense and expressive movement. The raw wood background gives the work a natural texture, bringing a depth and warmth that contrasts with the bright whiteness of the human forms. A circular opening is judiciously integrated into the work, just at the level of the figure's torso, exposing a luminous disk behind. It could be interpreted as a symbol of inner light or vital energy. Around this opening, two birds in full flight add an additional touch of life and lightness, contrasting with the rigid solidity of the human figure. The choice to include these birds could suggest a juxtaposition between freedom and rootedness. The natural grain of the wood adds an additional visual complexity, enriching the interpretation of the work with a play of textures and organic forms. The sobriety of the color palette, limited to the brown of the wood and the white of the paint, reinforces the visual power and emotional impact of this intriguing composition. In short, this artistic creation is distinguished by its inventive use of natural materials and its skillful play of shapes and symbols, capturing a moment of movement and energy encapsulated in wood.