LOS ANGELES,, Victor Douieb studio,
March/April2012
Victor Douieb Sculptures announces Carving The Tiger, a bronze sculpture based on the painting of the same name by renown artist Pascal Lecocq, the inspiration for which originated with Victor’s earlier sculpture Tiger Chasing Turtle.
“When Pascal first showed me his wonderful painting,” say Victor, “I was not only extremely flattered that such an important artist would choose to paint me, but I also became inspired to try and reproduce his painting in bronze. I wasn’t even sure if I could do it – and that became a challenge for me.”
At nearly two feet tall, the bronze-with-patina sculpture has a multi-color finish; a tannish brown for the shark and a deep blue for the little diver/sculptor – Victor Douieb – with his block of marble a lighter shade, devised as an homage to Pascal Lecocq, known as “The Painter of Blue” because of his rich use of the color in his work.
Describing how he got the idea for the painting originally, Pascal says, “When I first met Victor at a show in 2010, he’d mentioned how he’d always wanted one of my original paintings. Then when I saw a few of his pieces that were on display there – I’m an addicted shark lover – I loved them at first glance; for the anatomical perfection or for the stainless steel patina, and the portrait of Cristina made the magic.”
Shortly thereafter, inspiration hit. “As always in my work, a painting just pops up in my mind in a spark. I told Victor ‘I have an idea.'”
Common to much of Pascal’s work is his signature character “the diver” depicted in surrealistic situations set against a stunning ultramarine background. Pascal often draws upon classical mythology as a kind of muse. Referring to the metaphorical Galatea, a statue that has come to life, he says, “I pictured Victor carving his famous and impressive Tiger Shark so perfect that, still having the tail fin carved on the marble stone, the front body of the shark became alive, chasing yellowtail snapper and bluerunners.”
The challenge for Victor came not with the shark, but with “the little man” – as he would often call it. “I don’t usually sculpt the human form, let alone my own,” says Victor. “It was very important for me to get this one ‘right’ – for several reasons, most of all to respectfully represent Pascal’s work.”
Alluding to his use of pastiches, parodies or quotations within his work as well as paying homage to or making references and reverences to the old Masters, Pascal says, “When Victor announced he wanted to make the painting a sculpture, I loved the concept at once. It worked the same way I’ve used so many times. Because of the “miss en abyme” (or “play within the play”) form, the illusion of the 2D painting becoming ‘alive’ in 3D, and because it was such an honor to have it done by the smartest and best sculptor.”
Carving The Tiger marks Victor Douieb’s 30th sculpture to be added to his catalog of work. Its gallery can be viewed here.
(extracts from Victor Douieb website: Art imitates Art Imitating Art With Pascal Lecocq Sculpture)
The inspiring piece “Carving the Tiger” by Pascal is available as a print on paper.
A special edition “Victor Doueib “, signed by both astists is as well. (shown on the right)
Coincidentally, Victor and PascaI will be exhibiting together at the major exhibition SHARK ! at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale from May 12 to January 6, 2013.
