Clouds of Thought: Marie-Chloe Duval’s Artistic Evolution in New York City

Clouds of Thought: Marie-Chloe Duval's Artistic Evolution in New York City

Allow me to introduce you to Marie-Chloe Duval, a Quebec native whose artistic journey is as fascinating as it is unconventional. Duval's path to becoming a painter began, curiously enough, in the world of criminology. It was during her graduate studies that she discovered her true calling, as the process of writing her thesis unexpectedly kindled a passion for visual expression.

We had the pleasure of meeting Duval at her New York City studio on a sun-drenched afternoon, where she shared the intriguing stories behind her captivating works.

Duval's artistic evolution was a deliberate one. She honed her visual identity through photography before fully committing to painting in 2016. Her debut at a symposium was nothing short of remarkable, as she claimed five prizes, announcing her arrival on the art scene with considerable éclat. Since then, her work has garnered recognition through solo and group exhibitions worldwide.

Ever the intellectual explorer, Duval has participated in numerous artistic residencies across Canada and Europe, each experience further enriching her creative palette. Her engagement with the artistic community is both deep and genuine.

Now based in the vibrant crucible of New York City, Duval finds endless inspiration in the kaleidoscope of human interactions surrounding her. Her academic credentials are impressive: a Fine Arts Master's from Concordia University, with another Master's in Fine Arts from the New York Studio School currently in progress.

Duval's artistic approach is a fascinating amalgam of her diverse background, blending the analytical rigor of her criminology studies with the expressive freedom of visual art. Her keen eye, honed by years of studying human behavior and social dynamics, brings a unique depth to her work. Rather than merely observing society, Duval's art serves as a provocative visual discourse, compelling viewers to engage critically with the world around them.

In today's frenetic world, awash with a deluge of information and stimuli, Duval uses her canvas as a means of self-discovery and social exploration. Her paintings are a window into her evolving identity as an artist, a woman, and a global citizen. Through her work, she projects a vivid vision of our modern society - one dominated by organizations vying for control over the collective consciousness through sophisticated marketing and big data manipulation.

Duval's art is imbued with a clear purpose: to educate and raise awareness. Her visuals initiate a dialogue about our collective state of alienation, urging us to awaken from our societal slumber and break free from invisible constraints. Straddling the line between figuration and abstraction, her work is a compelling fusion of painting, text, and photography. This multifaceted approach creates a rich visual language that speaks to the complexities of our time, inviting viewers to look deeper and question the status quo.

Duval's latest series, aptly titled "Overthink," presents a striking visual metaphor: androgynous figures clad in crisp white button-up shirts, their heads replaced by vibrant, swirling gas clouds. This series marks a significant departure from her previous work, as Duval has only recently embraced color after six years of working exclusively in black and white. Her newfound palette is rich and nuanced, with a particular inclination towards earthy, neutral tones - reds, yellows, and terra cottas that evoke a sense of warmth and depth.

Among the pieces, a standout work features an expansive blue head, its hue inspired by subtle flecks of blue in the predominantly grey background. This piece, like many others in the series, seems to have been born from the interplay between visual inspiration and musical influence, a testament to the integral role music plays in Duval's creative process.

Intrigued by this auditory aspect of her work, we inquired about her musical preferences. Duval revealed an eclectic playlist spanning classical, rock, and country genres. One can't help but imagine the melancholic strains of a country ballad inspiring the ethereal blue gas cloud that graces our cover image.

Duval elaborated on the symbiotic relationship between her art and her chosen soundtrack: "The white shirts are very soft, and I listen to softer music while painting them. I need so much focus, so a lot of classical music. For the smoky heads, my body is more engaged, so I'm listening to music that engages my body." This thoughtful approach to her auditory environment demonstrates Duval's holistic understanding of the creative process, where every element - from color choice to background music - plays a crucial role in shaping her distinctive artistic vision.

In her latest series, Duval showcases her intuitive approach to painting. This collection features an array of bouquets set against minimalist backgrounds, demonstrating her evolving style and newfound embrace of color. The series is a delightful mix of abstract floral forms and clever nods to art history, with one piece notably incorporating the iconic figures from Grant Wood's "American Gothic."

When questioned about the conceptual underpinnings of this series, Duval's response was refreshingly straightforward: she simply liked how they looked. This candid admission speaks volumes about her intuitive creative process and her willingness to follow aesthetic instincts. One can't help but speculate that the vibrant blossoms of nearby Washington Square Park, a stone's throw from her studio, may have played a role in inspiring this floral focus.

This series marks a significant departure from Duval's previous monochromatic palette. She has wholeheartedly embraced a spectrum of colors that bring her canvases to life. Deep, passionate reds coexist with cheerful yellows, while lush greens provide a natural counterpoint to striking blues. The result is a visual feast that showcases Duval's growing confidence in color theory and application.

The juxtaposition of abstract floral forms with recognizable art historical references creates an intriguing dialogue within the series. It suggests a playful exploration of the boundaries between representation and abstraction, tradition and innovation. Through these works, Duval invites viewers to reconsider familiar imagery in a fresh, contemporary context, all while reveling in the sheer joy of color and form.

Our encounter with Duval, delving into her recent works and artistic evolution, was truly enlightening. Her journey, marked by bold experimentation and thoughtful introspection, offers a compelling narrative of an artist coming into her own.

Recently, art enthusiasts had the opportunity to experience Duval's work firsthand at the Art on Paper fair in Manhattan represented by the Nicolas Auvrey Gallery. As a curator for the same gallery she orchestrated a show of eight women artists earlier this year and curates tiny dinners bringing together the art community of New York as well.

Duval is undoubtedly an artist to keep a close eye on. Her unique vision, coupled with her willingness to push boundaries and explore new artistic territories, positions her as a rising creative in the New York art scene. As she continues to evolve and refine her craft, Duval's contributions promise to invigorate and challenge the contemporary art landscape.