encounter At Zico House on August 7,2023, at 7:30 pm
Zico House invites you to an encounter with Belgian artist Chloé Coomans and French artist elparo, where they will present their artistic approach and discuss their art residency in Lebanon.
At Zico House on August 7, 2023, at 7:30 PM
Having already collaborated on sculptures in Europe and Canada, elparo and Chloé Coomans are now embarking on an artist residency at MACAM to create intertwined works, drawing inspiration from the surroundings and using natural materials. Elparo will create an in-situ piece, engaging with nature and the old lime factory, while Coomans will present a multifaceted exhibition, including drawing, installation, and video, in a creative exploration fueled by encounters and journeys. From August 10 to October 1, 2023, at MACAM, the exhibition “Crossed “Perspectives” will blend their different forms of art, exploring new cultures and environments.
The Belgian artist Chloé Coomans diversifies her explorations by delving into various disciplines, such as sculpture, ceramics, drawing, painting, screen printing, engraving, video, and installation. Her versatile universe invites us to discover a world with dreamlike dimensions that questions the origins and future of our humanity. It connects us to our universal archaic memory, offering alternative possibilities and resisting trivialization, transforming the violence of our actions into tenderness, even during an intoxicated evening. Her vocabulary is poetic, engaged, utopian, and universal. It constantly oscillates between love and revolution, innocence and cruelty, silent beauty, and unapologetic ugliness. Revolting against the absurdities and injustices of our world, she becomes incisive, placing weapons on altars, attacking from all sides with Indian arrows, and burning the earth from above. Then, she lays down flowers to soften the hearts, preserving beauty and hope.
Self-taught visual artist, elparo grew up in the Parisian countryside. Coming from the graffiti culture, his practice has diversified over the years, initially exploring pictorial art and eventually digging into playing with site-specific volumes and shapes. His artistic journey began with using discarded materials like old boards, furniture, crates, and pallets as the foundation for his creations. Over time, his practice evolved to include diverse materials such as metal, ceramic, collage, manufactured wood, plywood, cork, and branches.
elparo’s art installations have been featured in festivals, artistic journeys, symposiums, and commissions, showcasing his ability to integrate volume and environment, aligning with the concept of land art. Throughout his creative explorations, he continues to embrace the limitless possibilities of artistic expression.
Calendar of their residency in Lebanon
• Artist residency of Chloé Coomans and Elparo at MACAM from July 15, 2023, to August 15, 2023. • Scenic and poetic creation workshop led by Chloé Coomans on August 1, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Institut Français of Jounieh. • Presentation and discussion about “Regards croisés” (Crossed Perspectives) by Chloé Coomans and Elparo at Zico House on August 7, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. • Opening of the exhibition “Regards croisés” by Chloé Coomans and Elparo at MACAM on August 10, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. The exhibition runs until October 1, 2023.
