Hervé Constant

Paintings by Hervé Constant exploring poetry, symbolism, and transformation

Le Voyant, a collection of 10 paintings by Hervé Constant, exploring poetry, symbolism, and transformation. Echoing Rimbaud’s notion of the voyant, in which the poet must undergo a profound transformation to perceive deeper truths, Hervé’s paintings showcase a reflection of this cryptic curiosity.

Arthur Rimbaud outlines a vision of the poet as a prophetic figure who pushes beyond conventional perceptions to access new dimensions of experience. A ‘seer’ that attains insight through a deliberate process of self-transformation. The voyant must embrace the unknown, exploring the extremes of human experience, breaking with societal norms and intellectual conventions. Metaphor and symbolism become critically important.

Rimbaud’s philosophy marked a rebellious shift from Romanticism to Modernism, challenging poets, writers, and artists to push beyond conventional perceptions. This spirit of transformation deeply influences Hervé’s artistic practice. His dreamlike compositions combine fragmented memories and abstracted philosophies, drawing on cultural and literary influences such as Baudelaire and Rimbaud.

At first glance, Hervé’s subjects appear eclectic, but deeper narratives quickly emerge, revealing his command of metaphor and symbolism. Through his use of diverse mediums and what Rimbaud called the “dérèglement de tous les sens” (derangement of all the senses), Hervé seeks to break free from intellectual conventions of perception.

Hervé’s artistic identity is deeply rooted in his own personal history of travel and cultural exploration. A pursuit of his own diverse influences across different mediums and presenting them without ego. His work is celebrated for its honesty and authenticity, with each painting evoking the emotional intensity and symbolic language that defines his multifaceted artistic practice.

Hervé Constant Biography

Hervé Constant is a French Moroccan artist based in London, renowned for his multifaceted artistic practice encompassing painting, video, photography, sound, and artist’s books. Born in Casablanca, Morocco, he spent his later childhood in an orphanage alongside his brother, an experience that profoundly influenced his creative journey.

Hervé’s formal education began at the Conservatoire National de Musique de Toulon (1967-70), where he studied acting. He further honed his theatrical skills at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Techniques du Théâtre in Paris (1971-73). Expanding his artistic repertoire, he pursued etching and silkscreen techniques at the Beaux-Arts de Toulon (1980-83).

Throughout his career, Hervé has participated in over 30 solo exhibitions across France, Italy, the UK, Japan, and beyond, alongside more than 50 group exhibitions. Notably, his work was featured in a joint exhibition, ‘As Above ... So Below’: Recent Paintings by Hervé Constant and Yair Meshoulam, at the Ben Uri Gallery in Dean Street, Soho, in 1995.

His artistic practices have led him to various international residencies, enriching his diverse body of work. In 2015, he participated in the Havana Biennale, presenting his work at the Faculty of Art History at the University of Havana. More recently, in August 2022, Hervé attended an artist-in-residence program in Odzun, Armenia, culminating in exhibitions at the Russian Art Museum in Yerevan and the Aslamazian Sisters Museum in Gyumri.

Hervé’s creations are included in prestigious collections, such as the Museum of New Art (MONA) in Detroit,

USA. His sound recording was featured in ‘Sound Fetish’ WPS1 at the Venice Biennale 2005 and is now part of the Archive of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Additionally, his short film ‘Run’ was selected by the Hayward Gallery in London as part of the 60-second Surreal, with a projection at the National Film Theatre.

In 2023, Hervé released ‘Travelogues,’ a collection reflecting his journeys and personal perceptions, introduced by David Marks. This work delves into his experiences in countries like Morocco, Japan, Cuba, Ukraine, Italy, Ethiopia, Armenia, and Romania, offering insights into his continuous quest for inspiration and understanding.

Hervé Constant’s art is characterized by its honesty and authenticity, often conveying profound emotional and symbolic narratives. His relentless curiosity and openness to diverse influences continue to drive his exploration of new artistic horizons.

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Hervé Constant: Le Voyant

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