Accademie
"Academie" is a striking work by Sophie Dumont, presented in the form of an oil painting with collage on canvas. Measuring 100 x 100 cm (39.37 x 39.37 in), this piece embodies the artist's signature style, exploring the theme of libraries and books through abstraction, while employing a subtle palette of whites and grays.
The composition of "Academie" is structured around geometric forms that evoke the verticality and order of a bookshelf, with a series of white, book-like shapes stacked in horizontal lines. These forms are painted with thick, textured layers of oil, giving the work a sculptural quality. The collage elements enhance this tactile experience, creating slight elevations on the surface that invite the viewer to appreciate both the visual and physical texture of the piece.
The color palette is minimalist, dominated by shades of white, cream, and soft gray, contributing to a serene and contemplative mood. The use of white creates a sense of purity and neutrality, allowing the viewer to focus on the forms and textures of the books. The subtle gradation of grays in the background adds depth and contrast, emphasizing the sculptural nature of the books and creating a sense of quiet sophistication.
The visible brushstrokes and raised texture are an integral part of the piece, adding to its richness and dimensionality. The artist’s method of applying layers of paint in a controlled yet expressive manner captures the essence of her process, which is deliberate and thoughtful. The book forms themselves, though abstract, evoke a sense of knowledge, history, and intellectual pursuit.
"Academie" speaks to Dumont's ongoing exploration of the role of books in our lives, not just as objects but as carriers of knowledge and memory. The work is not a literal representation of a library but an abstract interpretation, encouraging the viewer to contemplate the concept of knowledge and the passage of time in a space where thoughts and ideas are stored.
This piece exemplifies Dumont's ability to transform everyday objects into meditative and visually dynamic works of art. "Academie" invites the viewer to reflect on the relationship between form, texture, and the written word, while offering an immersive experience that challenges the boundaries between abstraction and reality.