A feedback of Lou-ann Albiol-Ducos (Editorial, Fairs and Exhibitions Assistant at Almine Rech) about my art work.
Section 1: Technical Review
The first part
of the feedback focuses on your technical skills. The reviewer gave his opinion
on the quality of your craft (e.g. color palette, shape, texture, size,
technique, framing, and composition)
How do you asses the artist’s technique in terms of
colors, shapes, texture, and size, as well as used material, medium, and
process?
Gabriëlla Cleuren’s technique demonstrates the
expressiveness she possesses with acrylics, applied to paper through vigorous
brushwork along with impasto textures, which both emote and evoke motion. The
use of colour in her works is bold and instinctive, often mixing warm and cool
tones in a way that suggests some psychological depth rather than a mere
description. Through her treatment of shapes, forms appear using gestural
abstraction, offering figural hints without exact definition, which adds to the
emotive narrative. The combination of texture and layering produce a raw,
tactile quality that draws the viewer into the artist's world of experience and
feelings. Cleuren’s choice of acrylics as her primary material aligns with her
approach to painting, energetic and layered, as it dries quickly, allowing for
rhythmic spontaneity. Her process seems instinctual and effortless, forming
through colour and mark making, which in turn express her introspective and
humanistic concerns powerfully.
At the end
Section 2: Artistic review
The second part
of the review focuses on the artistic and aesthetic aspects of the portfolio.
What is the strenght of the portfolio?
The collective experience in Gabriëlla Cleuren's
portfolio transforms into visceral images and strikingly immediate emotions.
'Idol' especially comes to mind: a commanding composition, where elevated and
raised hands encircle a central commanding figure suggesting hope, reverence,
and even supplication. The vigorous touch and the emotive colour palette
energises the scene, while the accumulation of colour and texture conveys an
emotional gravity and a sense of fellowship. Cleuren avoids didacticism through
her abstracted figuration, remaining open to interpretations, all the while
offering strong visual appeal. This is what gives enduring strength to her
portfolio, the unifying individual gesture and multi-layered collective
symbolism.
Where does the reviewer see the possibility for
improvement?
Gabriëlla Cleuren’s works would deepen their impact
if her compositional clarity was more focused, as some pieces risk visual
overload due to the density of brush strokes and broad chromatic intensity.
Expressive painting is a clear strength in Cleuren’s work. However, the pacing
of emotion could be enhanced by the introduction of more moments of stillness
and contrast, or juxtaposed space. A sharper focal point in some works could
also aid in paving the gaze of the viewer while reinforcing narrative
intention. Another way her impact could be deepened without sacrificing
intensity is through exploration in varying scales or the use of negative
space, which could bring movement to the work. Strengthening these aspects would
make her works resonate with potential buyers more profoundly.
Who or what can you follow and study, or get
inspiration from?
The animated stroke and complex depictions of
Cecily Brown, blurring the border of narrative and abstraction, could be great
sources of inspiration for Gabriëlla Cleuren, as she might find resonance in
them. Brown’s psychologically evocative gestural painting parallels Cleuren’s
emotive intensity in parallel contemporary ways.
Another great artist to study could be Marlene Dumas, with her sensitive
depiction of people, with a focus on human fragility and socio-political
issues, indirectly enriching the thematic depth and conceptual framing of
Cleuren’s work.
Both of these artists show the effectiveness and strength of emotional and
physical content expressed in pictorial form which can greatly enrich Cleuren’s
oeuvre.
Section 3: Promotional review
Where do you see the artist on the art market in
terms of audience, pricing, and estimated market potential?
Gabriëlla Cleuren holds a discerning position in the contemporary art
scene, catering to collectors interested in expressionist figuration and
socially engaged art. Her work resonates with those who care for emotional
authenticity and painterly gesture, especially in regards to European art from
the world wars onwards. Her pricing aligns with the
current state of the art market, and is indicative of her career development,
skill level, as well as her maturity as an artist, taking into account her
great record of solo exhibitions. Through efficient exposure and focused
context, her visibility might expand within mid-level galleries and
institutional collections. Enhancing her thematic coherence would strengthen
her online presence, increasing her desirability to international collectors
searching for unique perspectives.
Conclusion
Finally, what would be the one piece of advice you
would give this artist, regarding the objective of this review?
Putting aside for a moment her extraordinary
talents, I would suggest Gabriëlla Cleuren work on achieving an equilibrium
between thematic depth and visual simplicity to accentuate the power of her
concepts. Through the addition of careful juxtaposition, be it through the
pacing of the composition, tone, or space, she would be able to bolster the emotive
power of every piece, all without compromising its core essence. This would
strengthen the coherence of individual pieces while improving the readability
and marketability of the entire portfolio. This approach would maintain her
genuine voice while providing new avenues for embracing her work by collectors
and curators.
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