Playing with space

November 04, 2010

Playing with space

I have a beautiful book at home of French photographer and installation artist Georges Rousse.
He was born in Paris in 1947. His artistic vision has its roots in the bombed out buildings of World War II where he played as a child.
Rousse's art fuses photography, painting and architecture into one aesthetic discipline; and for over thirty years he has worked in buildings either derelict or scheduled for renovation throughout Europe, Asia, Canada and the US.
The facades and interiors of these structures serve as temporary studios and are the creative focus point of his artwork. As he paints, adds structures, or cuts away walls, vibrant shapes and meditative patterns emerge from the previously barren environment.
These masterful executions of trompe l'oeil coalesce from a single vantage point, captured by Rousse's camera. These site specific works have the rare ability to be both intellectually engaging and complex while being absolutely accessible to a broad audience including those completely outside the world of art. It is in equal measure profound and simple fun.