Untitled (#27-#30) (A Quadriptych), 1993

Galerie Lahumière, Paris Canadian Corporate Collection

Born in 1959 at Neuilly-sur-Seine, François Schmitt was initially inspired by the Avant-Garde movement and its perspective of constructive and geometric abstraction before he decided to explore different avenues. After moving away from large-scale works to adopt a smaller format, he started using recovered and affordable objects. They were selected either for their acid tone and weathered condition or their degree of similarity. Yet, Schmitt was concerned not only about the materials but also their spatial organisation once displayed. From a single work hung at eye level, the French artist began creating installation pieces composed of multiple objects, which he would arrange on the wall, the floor and in cupboards, which afforded more than a singular perspective. This installation is made of four acrylics on canvas that melt into purple shades. The artist positioned them in an even row, with the darkest one tilting at an angle right above the lightest version. Given the flimsiness of his materials, the light can easily filter through, thus altering the tone of each acrylic depending on the time of day. Schmitt ultimately transforms these objets trouvés into art while challenging viewers’ perception of the transient effects of colour and light. The French artist exhibited at the beginning of his career at the Galerie Lahumière and still works to this day in Paris.