Alisan Fine Arts. Ends June 23
Richard Texier's exhibition Paintings on Chinese Nautical Charts at Alisan Fine Arts is more than a fusion of eastern and western styles. It's also an exploration of the artist's mind.
'Texier's concepts are original,' says gallery owner Alice King. 'He's not using maps to look for a street as we usually do. He paints on them.'
On show are 17 works in ink and colour on old Chinese naval charts, featuring abstract shapes that symbolise navigational instruments such as compasses, sextants, dividers and protractors linked by flowing brushstrokes.
Brought up on the Atlantic coast of France, Texier paints on maps to show his connection with the sea, which has been his source of inspiration for the past 20 years. 'I love water. It's a mystery for everyone,' he says.
Not only do maps serve as the materials for Texier to paint on, they also become his subjects. King says Texier's works involve two kinds of maps: the nautical charts on which he paints and his own work, with numbers, signs and directions forming another layer of map on top of the charts.
Concurring with King's view, Texier says that the maps he paints aren't practical. 'They're mind maps. I paint to visit my mind.'