Fabienne Francotte’s artistic practice began 17 years ago while exploring the relationship between calligraphy, movement and philosophy. The careful composition of writing in calligraphy demanded a strict, ritualistic approach. This discipline, along with the rigour of a decade at the Royal Conservatory of Dance under Maurice Béjart, became the foundation of her artistic language. Today, dense, intentional lines have given way to fluidity in her works. Now it is her subconscious that directs the movements.
‘It’s Like Someone Took My Soul’ functions as a type of contact sheet, an album of film negatives. Inspired by Fabienne’s personal journey through daily life and the complexities of the many Sri Lankan identities she meets. Each portrait is a reconstruction of not one but a consolidation of many individuals. The works are infused with the essence of her interactions, which, at the time of their creation, spontaneously intermingle with her memories and her mood. While featuring external, physical features, her works lend insight into a hidden inner soul. She reveals an interior human world, at times disturbing, but always beautiful. Through her art, Fabienne becomes an unintentional conduit of the soul.
Her portraits are a tale of the daily struggle showing distinctive appearances, expressions and gestures. She brings the freedom and empathy of drawing, painting and sculpture to her time spent at NIMH in Angoda and the Siviraja Children’s Development Center for the deaf and blind.
Fabienne Francotte’s work is being exhibited at Saskia Fernando Gallery.