“Evidence of Us”: Marie Chloe Duval’s Floral Meditations on Time and Memory

"Evidence of Us": Marie Chloe Duval's Floral Meditations on Time and Memory

In her stunning solo exhibition "Evidence of Us," which opened February 20 at Art Gotham in New York's East Village, artist Marie Chloe Duval presents a deeply contemplative series that transforms the simple motif of flowers into a profound exploration of human connection, memory, and the passage of time. The show, marking a significant milestone for the soon-to-graduate MFA student, demonstrates both technical mastery and conceptual depth that belies her emerging status in the art world.

"The flowers I paint are real, they are dreams, they are symbols, they are a reflection of time and of us passing," Duval explains, perfectly encapsulating the multilayered approach that makes her work so compelling. This philosophy manifests throughout the exhibition in pieces that range from large-scale statements to intimate studies, each contributing to a cohesive narrative about human existence and the traces we leave behind.

The exhibition's centerpiece, "The Field of Flowers Was Inside of Me," immediately commands attention upon entering the gallery. This large-scale work depicts a red hallway strewn with flowers in delicate pinks and whites, creating an arresting contrast between the bold architecture and the delicate blooms. The scene suggests the aftermath of some joyous celebration, yet carries an undercurrent of melancholy in its documentation of a moment already passed.

Color plays a crucial role in Duval's visual language, particularly in her sophisticated use of red. In another significant work, she presents a shadowy figure viewed through glass, contemplating a wilting bouquet. The entire piece is executed in varying shades of red, from muted to vibrant, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the line between memory and present moment. The ambiguity of whether we're witnessing a real scene or a remembered one speaks to Duval's talent for capturing the fluid nature of human experience.

Left to Right: they float and anchor, 2025, Marie Chloe Duval and Holding Us no1, 2025 Marie Chloe Duval

Perhaps the most striking departure from the show's predominantly red palette is "Holding Us #1," which features a brilliant yellow background that serves as a stage for one of the exhibition's most whimsical moments. The piece depicts a green-skinned arm extending a mixed bouquet with childlike enthusiasm. The unusual color choice for the figure's skin creates an almost fairy-tale quality, while the falling flowers suggest movement and spontaneity. This work demonstrates Duval's ability to balance technical sophistication with emotional authenticity.

In "Behind and Above," Duval showcases her masterful handling of texture within a restricted palette. The predominantly navy-gray canvas is interrupted by a window of clear, bright blue, through which dark flowers appear to grow with an almost invasive energy. The piece speaks to the persistence of nature and the inevitability of growth and change in our lives. Its placement in the gallery, juxtaposed with a white orchid and subtle candlelight, creates a powerful dialogue between the wild and the cultivated.

Left to Right: they came to us. 2025, Marie-Chloe Duval and A human evidence, 2025, Marie- Chloe Duval

Throughout the exhibition, Duval explores the various ways humans interact with flowers as markers of existence and connection. In "I Left Something for You," and other pieces in the series, flowers become evidence of human presence and intention – gifts given, memories made, moments marked. The artist's treatment of these themes is never heavy-handed; instead, she allows the viewer space to contemplate their own experiences and memories through her thoughtful compositions.

What sets Duval's work apart is not just her technical skill, which is considerable, but her ability to create pieces that function on multiple levels. While immediately accessible as beautiful floral compositions, her paintings reveal additional layers of meaning through repeated viewing. They are works that can both grace a home with their aesthetic appeal and prompt ongoing contemplation about the nature of time, memory, and human connection.

It was behind and above, 2025 by Marie Chloe Duval

As Duval completes her MFA this May, "Evidence of Us" serves as both a culmination of her recent studio practice and a promising indication of her future trajectory. The exhibition demonstrates her growing confidence in handling complex themes while maintaining the delicate balance between technical excellence and emotional resonance.

"Evidence of Us" is more than a collection of flower paintings; it's a nuanced exploration of how we mark our existence through gestures of beauty and connection. Through Duval's skilled hand and thoughtful perspective, familiar subjects become vehicles for deeper contemplation about the traces we leave behind and the memories we carry forward. This exhibition marks her as an artist to watch, one who has found her voice and is ready to make a significant contribution to contemporary painting.