Roseline Al Oumami

Artist statement:

From childhood, I explored my creative flair through dance, music and drawing. When I was 18, I was going through a very difficult period in my life, (the death of my father), when I had the privilege of meeting my late Sister Jeanne, to whom I pay tribute here. Sister Jeanne Dupont, then known as the artist, Yvain Marnier, trained at the ABC School in Paris, and was a professor of drawing, painting and music. She encouraged my passion for painting and sponsored me to showcase my work in various exhibition salons. Subsequently, I had my first solo exhibition in 1990 in Bagnole-de-L’Orne, where I unveiled my figurative paintings; I also received an award at the international competition organized by the city of Deauville.

I am also fortunate to have a very supportive husband who always accompanies me to my exhibitions. I resumed painting several years after the birth of our two children and in 2006, I exhibited my work for a few years at the Arc-En-Ciel gallery in Dinard, where I presented a mix of figurative and abstract artwork.

Since my first exhibition in 1990, I have established myself on the national and international art scene, and taken part in numerous exhibitions in France, Portugal, Italy, Algeria, Norway, China, Germany, England and the United States.

Q&A

  • What is your background?

    I was born in Normandy and was interested in dance, music and drawing from an early age. The meeting of Sister Jeanne, then known as the artist, Yvain Marnier, inspired me and encouraged my passion for painting. She sponsored me to showcase my work in various exhibition salons which consequently lead me to taking part in numerous exhibitions in France, Portugal, Italy, Algeria, Norway, China, Germany, England and the United States, and establish myself on the national and international art scene.

  • What inspires you and what is your creative process?

    I need to create. Painting for me is a means of expression and allows me to pour my emotions into it. A constant sense of questioning in my own work leads each painting on in a journey into the universe of the unknown and distant bringing harmony, colours, movements, balance, osmosis.

  • What is your favourite subject matter and why?

    Abstract - I work with great emotional intensity. I find my place in abstraction where the purpose is to transmit an aesthetic emotion. Abstraction gives me complete freedom of expression. I like to work on very large dimensions.

  • Who are your biggest influences?

    I am a fan of Jackson Pollock and his “drip technique” - a fascinating character! Also, Nicolas de Staël, Zao Wou Ki, Soulages, Hartung, Georges Mathieu and others. Their works transport me to a world that pleases me.

  • How did you stay inspired and energized during the pandemic?

    To be honest, the pandemic hasn’t really had an impact on the way I work. I am always alone in my own bubble when I paint, so this period of turmoil didn’t affect my artistic process. Although I was unable to take part in exhibitions either in my studio or galleries, I was able to exhibit and sell my work in virtual galleries. I think it will continue like this for some time.

  • What is/are your favourite medium(s)?

    Mainly acrylics on canvas, although I also paint with watercolours, Indian ink and walnut stain.

  • How long does it take to complete a piece, and what is the entire process? Do you like working on different pieces at the same time?

    It varies greatly, and besides, when I paint it is intense and I don’t even think about time. I can work on different canvases at the same time, when they are small.

  • What do you hope people feel when they view your art?

    I would like my paintings to invoke travel and meditation; I hope that people viewing my art, will be able to relate to this.

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