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Artist: Pascal
Show: “Hylé Expression”:
About the Show
Location: Las Cruces Museum of Art
491 North Main Street
Las Cruces, NM
Dates: Dec. 7, 2007 – Jan. 26, 2008
Reception: Dec. 7, 2007, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Artist Talk: Dec. 8, 2007, 11:00 am
URL: museums.las-cruces.org
Las Cruces Museum of Art proudly presents contemporary works in wood by renowned French sculptor Pascal, in his solo exhibition, Hylé Expression, December 7th, 2007 through January 26th, 2008. Pascal will host a subsequent artist talk with tour at the Las Cruces Museum of Art on December 8th, 2007, during which he will discuss his process and inspiration for art making.
“Hylé” is the Greek word for wood, as found in the exhibition title Hylé Expression. This exhibit reflects upon the expression of wood. Pascal chooses to work with this material so as to communicate the medium’s intelligence, Pascal states, “Wood knows many things, and it teaches them to me.” The sculptor follows the innate intelligence inherent in his medium until the final image reveals itself in a work of art.
Wood has accompanied the craft of art making since the earliest of ages, from the relief sculptures of ancient Egypt to the frescos painted on wood panels of the Renaissance period in the 16th and 17th centuries. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the Greek word hylé, meaning wood or lumber, also served as the general word for all matter, signifying the importance this raw material had on culture. Wood possesses innate qualities that make the perfect medium for exploring artistic concepts.
With knowledge of the long history of wood carving in the arts, and the mentorship of his grandfather a wood sculptor, Pascal’s artwork is crafted in mahogany, ash, and holly wood. Departing from his forefathers, he creates abstract compositions, which relay the essence of human form instead of composing purely representational works. “Many of his sculptures have a feminine cast, with elegantly swelling contours and subtle curves,” writes Suzanne Deats. “Conversely, he sometimes works with more angular, masculine themes, such as his Fleche (Arrow) series, and the wood responds with a robust presence,” Deats continues.
Having had the privilege of working under Pierre Cardin when residing in France, this native Frenchman has had solo exhibitions throughout Europe, noting the excellence of his craft. Continuing his successes upon moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1997, Pascal is the recent honorary of the Artist Council Board of Governors Award provided to him by the Palm Springs Museum of Art in Palm Springs, California. Along with several solo museum and gallery exhibitions, Pascal’s work can be found in such prestigious collections as Palais Bulles, Pierre Cardin's residence - Cannes, France; City Hall - Collogny, Switzerland; Marriott Hotels – Nationwide; Equifax World Headquarters; Mont Parnes Hotel & Casino - Parnes, Dytiki Ellada, Greece; Eldorado Hotel - Santa Fe, NM; Dr. Avi & Nitsa Reich, Helmsley Hotel - New York, NY, as well as numerous additional collections throughout the United States. Likewise, Pascal has received due attention from the press, and is well represented throughout the country.
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