Ludivine Gonthier

Portrait de mon groupe, 2023-2024

Walnut stain, charcoal, pastel and oil on canvas. Courtesy of the artist

Autoportrait, 2023-2024

Oil, acrylic and charcoal on canvas. Courtesy of the artist

Les échecs, 2023-2024

Oil, acrylic and charcoal on canvas. Courtesy of the artist

Sophie et Ludivine, 2024

Walnut stain, charcoal, oil and airbrush on canvas. Courtesy of the artist

Sacha, Robin et Ludivine 2, 2024

Oil and charcoal on canvas. Courtesy of the artist

Sacha, Robin et Ludivine, 2023

Oil, acrylic and charcoal on canvas. Courtesy of the artist

In her paintings, Ludivine Gonthier depicts her joys and sorrows, her passions and friendships, her memories and her hopes. The artist takes to the stage alone or in the company of the people she loves, to tell the intimate story of her life. Her work reads like a declaration of love and humour to a generation of young people outraged by oppression and in arms against it, and who seek to free themselves from the judgement of others.

Painting from photographs, Ludivine Gonthier works on several canvases at the same time, drawing the compositions energetically in charcoal before sketching in the figures at great speed in oil or in acrylic. Spontaneity and freedom are paramount. She transposes onto canvas gatherings and shared moments with friends. Drawing inspiration from the great group portraits of art history, she depicts herself surrounded by her closest friends in a joyous celebration of the group, like a blended family united by re-invented bonds of kinship. Ludivine Gonthier’s work reflects her affection for her colourful friends and the brightly-coloured toys that have been with her and sustained her for years. Her figurative work is “a sort of giant comic strip” of her life, exploring the impetuous vivacity of her day-to-day life and relationships.