Ivresse de l’encre

Trained in calligraphy from a very young age, Lassaâd Metoui takes as much inspiration from Western painting (Matisse, Paul Klee, Soulages…) as he does from Asian art – and Japanese, in particular. Over the years, his work has moved towards a modernity that transcends different cultures. And his innovative talent, which is rooted in a tradition of high aesthetic and moral standards, has made him a major artist in his field.

This exhibition will feature roughly one hundred previously unpublished works on canvas and paper, all of which were created for this show.

In it, Metoui explores new forms and materials. Rounded contours are one of the main themes of the exhibition, which he expresses using certain media (tondi – i.e., circular paintings) or materials (mirrors).

Japan figures prominently in Ivresse de l’encre (“Intoxicated by Ink”). Inspired by the writings of Japanese philosopher Kitarō Nishida, Metoui’s ink compositions on kozo paper display figurative motifs reminiscent of great masters, like Hokusai (1760-1849) and Hiroshige (1797-1858).

This new direction in his work offers an opportunity for Lassaâd Metoui to develop his “plant alphabet” project, which he began in his book Les Sept Méditations sur le parfum, published in 2017.