In the 1960s, Alain Lestié could be considered a painter of critical figuratism, questioning the very future of painting which, for many at the time, seemed destined to disappear. The exhibition he offers us today, titled “A mots couverts,” testifies to the journey taken by this atypical artist who expresses himself with extraordinary dexterity using only a Nero pencil.
This austerity in technical means contrasts with the infinite variation of shades from black to white present in his drawings. Emergency exit, after the night, dark hours, interruption, last horizons… these are some titles of the works exhibited. Just after the very first glance, which might reflexively suggest photography, the dimensions and formats of the drawings (170 X 50 cm), the infinite palette of gray nuances, and the fineness of the line plunge the viewer into an intense atmosphere, a unique universe filled with the artist’s inquiries. Disturbing fences, striking chiaroscuros, a rainbow from black to gray, angles and constructed triangles, stitched up tears…
The variety in the drawings is infinite, driven by the dreams of the artist which, much more sophisticated, remind us of some virtual universes haunting our screens.
Alain Lestié does not just draw. His writings on art and culture extend his drawings with a sharpness of vision and a distance from the cultural-media hustle through an uncompromising severity. A writing that is the substrate of this exhibition, overlaid by the silver ash of his luminous pencil strokes. Strong images whose substance impresses upon our memories as if on a film strip.
Alain Lestié was born in Hossegor in 1944. He lives and works in Cannes.
A great painter…
Contact:
[Galerie Depardieu](https://www.galerie-depardieu.com/)
64 bd Risso – 06300 Nice
Tel. 04 97 12 12 97
Email: [galerie.depardieu@orange.fr](mailto:galerie.depardieu@orange.fr)
