At 46 years old, Gwendoline Aubert has been making waves in the art scene from her studio in the Lille region of northern France. With a decade of experience in clay sculpture, she has recently expanded her creative horizons to include bronze sculptures, focusing on themes inspired by Buddhist monks and Asian culture, as well as the dynamic movements of sports, yoga, and ballet.
For the past ten years, Gwendoline has honed her skills in clay, exploring the material’s endless possibilities. Two years ago, she began collaborating with foundries in the Paris area and Belgium to develop her bronze works, which have quickly gained recognition. Her unique approach to sculpture allows her to capture the essence of her subjects, whether they are serene monks or graceful dancers.
Since joining Myl’art gallery in Lille a year and a half ago, her bronze statues have significantly contributed to her growing notoriety. Her work has been showcased at prestigious art fairs in Brussels and Paris, and she is set to exhibit in Strasbourg at the end of February, followed by participation in the Lille Art Up international art fair in March. Additionally, she will be the guest of honor at two local exhibitions later this year.
Gwendoline warmly invites you to immerse yourself in her world of ceramic sculpture. Through her creations, she encourages others to discover the beauty of clay and its infinite possibilities. She believes that anyone can connect with this wonderful material, perhaps even creating their own masterpieces.
For those interested in a more personal experience, she welcomes visitors to her workshop at the Chapelle d’Armentières, near Lille. Here, you can witness her artistic process firsthand and gain insight into her creative journey.
In her own words, Gwendoline shares, “I have several lines of products that allow me to explore different themes with varying difficulties, requirements, and anatomical knowledge. I don’t want to confine myself to a single theme and be identified as ‘the girl who makes dancers like Degas’ or something similar. I love variety, humanity, and the richness it brings. These themes resonate with my own life and emotions.”
Currently, she is focused on Asian monks and yogis. “I love Asia (I am about to spend several months there with my family), the kindness and benevolence that animate most Buddhist and Hindu peoples, their smiles. I admire their gentleness, their tranquility, and their constant gratitude; I find this soothing in the chaotic, selfish, and aggressive Western world we live in. The Asian faces I work on try to convey a part of these emotions, particularly those of children, whom I find adorable and touching.”
In another genre, Gwendoline practices yoga, an ancient discipline rooted in Asian foundations. “It’s not the same theme, but we are still there! Tranquility and meditation are also found among yogis. I enjoy working on the anatomy of the human body, and I appreciate the power and grace of a yogini or dancer’s musculature. Let’s say the theme lends itself well, and it’s less common than studying the anatomy of a live model!”
Regarding her other themes, such as felines and dancers, she notes, “The common thread is quiet strength. It can be seen in the calm feline that can leap at any moment, the dancer who must maintain an uncomfortable position perfectly, the yogi who, through training and mastery of body and mind, can take complicated postures, and the monk who meditates for hours.”
Gwendoline’s pieces have a distinctive signature with recognizable patinas and a characteristic perforation. Reflecting on her artistic evolution, she recalls, “During the first lockdown, I could no longer give classes, and I spent my days locked in the studio producing. I needed to free myself from the physical suffocation we were experiencing. This translated into my work, and a real turning point occurred at that moment. I began to structure myself much more by working on ranges and color codes rather than isolated pieces.”
The series of faces titled “Fragments” was born during this time, serving as an allegory for the process of reconstruction. “This series consists of four pieces; the first represents the break, and we conclude with light, marking the end of one era and the beginning of a new life. The first meditative bronze with an open skull also symbolizes a need for freedom and the release of thoughts. Since that time, all my pieces have some form of perforation.”
To learn more about Gwendoline’s work and upcoming exhibitions, visit her website. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information—she is eager to share her passion for sculpture with you.