Mermaid, BANG BANG by Stanislas Piechaczek
French-Australian artist Stanislas Piechaczek brings a quirky aquatic world to life in his oversized paintings, capturing colour and line in vivid forms.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson | Photography: Courtesy of Stanislas Piechaczek
Bubbles Cigar by Stanislas Piechaczek from his current exhibition Mermaid, BANG BANG at Studio Gallery. Photo: Courtesy of Stanislas Piechaczek
Mermaid, Bang Bang by Stanislas Piechaczek from his current exhibition Mermaid, BANG BANG at Studio Gallery. Photo: Courtesy of Stanislas Piechaczek
As suggested by the title, in Mermaid, BANG BANG, Stanislas Piechaczek brings a surrealist interpretation of playful and colourful aquatic environments to his solo show at Studio Gallery, Sydney.
Born in France, Stanislas moved to Australia eight years ago; this collection is inspired by early memories of time near and in the water, yet his current surroundings always make their way into his artworks. ‘My work is often filled with nostalgia but is yet well established in my present life,’ the artist muses. ‘Many things inspire me, and I have many interests in life; that’s just my expression of what I’m into currently, who knows what I will be painting next.’
Described as a “quirky universe” and “a strange brew of calm and hyperactivity” by the gallery, Mermaid BANG BANG explores varying colour and textural palettes. However, essential to the artworks is how they come together spontaneously with contrasting, experimental techniques. Working from his coastal, Queensland studio, Stanislas rarely has a plan; instead, he lets the artworks decide their fate.
Crabbing in the Banana Mangrove by Stanislas Piechaczek from his current exhibition Mermaid, BANG BANG at Studio Gallery. Photo: Courtesy of Stanislas Piechaczek
Descent by Stanislas Piechaczek from his current exhibition Mermaid, BANG BANG at Studio Gallery. Photo: Courtesy of Stanislas Piechaczek
“Most of my paintings are somehow linked to my life and my surroundings, all sprinkled with imagination.”
‘I’m never 100% set on a colour palette when I begin a painting because I like to be open to changes in piece as it develops and evolves,’ says Stanislas Piechaczek. Photo: Courtesy of Stanislas Piechaczek
“None of the paintings from this collection have been planned or sketched. Even though all the artworks have a common essence, the key to start the work was spontaneity.”
‘The process for my current work has been different than for the past collections, and I have challenged myself with new mediums. Each piece created a momentum that sort of naturally dictated the rhythm and direction for the next,’ says Stanislas Piechaczek. Photo: Courtesy of Stanislas Piechaczek
As with his other works, Stanislas contrasts a balance of beauty and violence. His characters hold guns in their hands and are directly referenced in the title, ‘Bang Bang’. As normal as they appear, the artist reveals the acceptance of guns and violence seen throughout our culture — from Hollywood movies to current news and events. Yet his final layer of tropicana colours and ‘jazzed up’ flat figures lounging in the composition sets out to distract us.
‘At the begin of this collection, I have challenged myself with colours that I rarely used but which were crucial for the painting to reflect this particular aquatic mood,’ Stanislas shares. He plays texture off against colour and realism, dystopia seeping throughout. Bright oranges intersect fuchsias against black backdrops, or pink scuba divers float amongst their crystal blue waters, the vivid greens of their guns juxtaposing the calm surroundings.
Each painting in the collection inspires the next, and the works offer a collective view into Stanislas perspective and the world around him. An adventure unfolds, the artist beacons us to follow and join in the madness.
Pêche au Maïs by Stanislas Piechaczek from his current exhibition Mermaid, BANG BANG at Studio Gallery. Photo: Courtesy of Stanislas Piechaczek
Oegopsida by Stanislas Piechaczek from his current exhibition Mermaid, BANG BANG at Studio Gallery. Photo: Courtesy of Stanislas Piechaczek
VISIT
MERMAID BANG BANG AT STUDIO GALLERY
3-7 Danks Street Street, Waterloo, Sydney
Friday 30 April - Saturday 15 May
Hours:
Mon to Fri 10am–5pm
Weekends 10am–5pm