Camille Gillybœuf: Statement
My art practice explores themes of comfort and foreboding, creating imaginary landscapes and situations that depict a sense of personal loss—of childhood innocence, freedom and wonder—while suggesting alternative worlds in which these feelings may be regained. I use material and technique to bring together conflicting elements using familiar shapes and the smooth rendering of charcoal on paper and felt. In my works, the textured paper and raw felt work in conjunction to offer a tactile experience related to the proximal relationship with the doudou (meaning comfort-object in French).
Doudou is a common French slang word and is the repetition of the word ‘doux’ meaning ‘soft’. The repetition makes it sound like a word invented by a child and sets the scene for my argument of tactility – ‘haptic looking’.
I believe adulthood is an artificial construct, the purpose of which is to enable us to survive in a harsh environment. It is a necessity that requires sacrifice and the gradual surrender of the child we were born as. The doudou can be understood as a kind of portal, opening up possibilities for creative exploration, rather than existing as a mere artefact of childhood.
Group Exhibition
Small Dreams
July 6-30, 2022