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Purple is a relatively rare color in nature. That’s maybe why I love irises so much, not only for their elegant shapes, their strength and resistance but also because they can express the whole range of purple, especially the dark, opulent shades. Purple or Violet as the purists would say is also a transition color. It represents a threshold: it is the last color of the visible light spectrum, just before ultraviolet that is invisible to the naked eye.

I have been delving into the work of Sigmar Polke recently as I explore (a bit) the transition between the reality and the imaginary. And I realize that his use of purple is also what draws me to his work. Discovering Axial Age in 2021 at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris was a true aesthetic choc. In an ultra-modern yet somewhat decrepit environment, surrounded by pieces voluntarily provocative to make polite society ill-at-ease because is it not what a real artist should do, I was not expecting to enter a chapel of beauty. 7 gigantic panels made translucent by the magic of resin layers, were surrounding me as the winter light came pouring in from the high windows, adding to the mystical atmosphere. It was still Covid times, and the museum was almost empty. Silence was just marred by silly videos by other artists, insignificant muffled sounds in the background. From the yellow gold background slightly green in some areas, emerged purple figures and marks. I have not seen anything more powerful and heartbreaking to this day. I learned afterward that it was his last major contribution, a painfully beautiful swan song.

Looking at the symbolic, purple evokes luxury and therefore, trust and reliability. But it is also quite mysterious, which is why I believe I relate to it so much. It is linked to imagination and creativity. Some might say it is overly feminine, appealing to ladies of a certain age who also love cats. Well, that’s not a bad niche! Some might say it is moody and borderline sad and who would want to put such paintings in their house!?! Here again, what is sad for some is dreamy and relaxing for others. And we all could benefit from a bit of magic, no?

My latest artwork – currently called Palpitations, let’s see if and how the name evolves – leverages some light purple and some very dark one, in a contrast between fragility and strength. As I continue exploring mark making, I am glad for colors, and I am irrevocably in love with purple. Regal. Mysterious. Full of promises.