Harrison Public Library presents, “Portrait de Femmes: in resilience, tenderness and elegance” by Fleur Spolidor

Exhibition is on display January 7, 2024 to February 2, 2024.
Gallery is open to the public during regular library hours.
You are invited to attend an open reception on Saturday, January 27 from 3 – 5 PM at the library.

Artist’s Statement:

My artistic approach consists of capturing the essence and strength of women by painting their portraits on collage of carefully selected recycled materials. In a world dominated by consumerism and waste, I strive to give new life to discarded objects, by highlighting their hidden potential and giving them a second use. Each portrait I create tells a unique story, representing the indescribable complexity of the female experience that deserves to be seen and celebrated.

Through the deliberate juxtaposition of diverse textures and vibrant colors, I aim to challenge painterly norms and redefine traditional notions of beauty. By mixing different materials and incorporating unexpected elements, I create a visual narrative that pushes the boundaries of what is considered traditionally attractive.

Not only do I seek to create thought-provoking works of art, but I am also deeply passionate about sustainability and environmental responsibility.
By using recycled materials in my art, I want to leave a lasting impact and remind others of our collective duty to protect and preserve our planet. These artwork demonstrate the possibilities of creativity and ingenuity, highlighting the potential for beauty and artistry even in the discards of our throwaway society.

Through this series of portraits, my goal is to navigate the complexities of the female experience and shine a light on the incredible stories that are often overlooked. In doing so, I strive to challenge traditional artistic boundaries, promote sustainability, and evoke a profound emotional response in viewers.

About the Artist:

Fleur Spolidor, MFA, NAWA, is an eco-conscious visual artist, whose subject matter raises awareness about worrisome issues like women’s rights and climate change. Her work on the subject of the surreal situations that women face in society developed in “The Swimsuits series: A pictorial reflection on women’s rights” has been selected to be on display at the European delegation to the United Nations, from February 2023 to August 2023 in connection with CSW 67. Recently, the same series was awarded a 2023 Arts Alive grant, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts through its Statewide Community Regrant program (SCR) and  administered by ArtsWestchester. The 12 paintings were subsequently displayed at the Jay Heritage Center in Rye for a period of 2 months.

Spolidor actively volunteers her brushes for schools and nonprofits. She has been awarded a grant for curatorial projects in support of artists and small businesses during the pandemic by the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds (Netherlands). She was selected as a mentee in 2021 by The Northern California Women’s Caucus for Art (NCWCA) for its Mentorship Program in San Francisco.

She holds a Master’s degree in Contemporary art history with an emphasis on contemporary printmaking from the University Paris-Nanterre, France. As an engraver, she worked with the Foundry Pierre de Coubertin and engraved a commemorative plaque for the pyramidion of The Luxor Obelisk, Place de la Concorde, in Paris. Ordered by E. Poncelet Inspecteur Général des monuments Historiques.

Spolidor is a signature member of the National Association of Women Artists in New York and a member of the Northern California Women’s Caucus for Art in San Francisco. Her work is on permanent display at the San Mateo County History Museum in Redwood City, California and can be found in private and public collections in Europe and in the US.

Born and raised in Paris, France, Spolidor currently lives and works in Westchester County, NY.

Discover Spolidor’s work at www.artefleur.com or on www.instagram.com/artefleur/