Gabriëlla Cleuren

Light is a prerequisite for seeing. It is so self-evident that we are rarely aware of it; it makes things visible but remains unnoticed itself. For the artist, however, it is a visual tool that she or he directs or a given that she or he frequently turns to in the work and in perception, because it sets the mood and thus communicates or simply conveys something to the viewer, without the latter becoming aware of it. It feels good. It gives clarity, clarity and carries ancient archetypal meanings that every person of any culture intuitively senses. It represents purity , goodness, sincerity, truth , spirituality, simplicity and modesty, strength, wisdom and beauty, in short, the divine. So it is very positively charged.

A series of works always across time in which the importance of light for man emerges : light as a symbol.

Of ready seeing - holding on in dark times - a ritual object - used by man to chase away the darkness. and to display equality.

Light as a social bonding agent for hope - an energy , which fills man and enlightens him in reaching his goal : single or in group. Light as a symbol of well-being - light as a necessity - a reaching back to overcome doubt and hard times and dispel uncertainty.

These images of light, to which man is always attracted, light in the darkness, which brightens, makes visible, evokes a warm feeling often of solidarity with others, accompanies you where you cannot see: light: symbol of the bright when you have lost your way, which indicates where my doubts lie and where everything comes into readiness.

People gather around it. Even the animals are magically attracted to it. These images keep popping up in my years of work with painting (as breathing and speaking for me) as a fascinating symbol that people can't resist, that they seek and experience together to strengthen.
Many people need symbolic light all their lives.
Are today's dark days a good time to reflect on this, to turn on our light and do so together with many people?

Gloomy people need light. Light a candle and everything looks better, right? So why don't they make a light?"

Gabriella began to think about that. It's a metaphor, light as a positive vision of life. Light as a symbol. She already made some works in 2013 and didn't realize until afterwards that the power of that metaphor was already in the paintings. Escaping from the dark, entering the light.

At a time when she was having some dark moments in her own life, she collected newspaper clippings. Inspired by the faces in the photographs, she created her own story, her own vision. Gabriella: "The symbol of light is a universal thing. Christmas is a good example of that."

It's about a positive way of looking at things, everything clears up, consciousness comes into play. It's looking for a foothold, moving forward, trying to get rid of the dark, the negativity.Feel the depth. People carry lights. People become lights. Light is hope, rising from darkness to light. Social media and media in general is too negative, it makes people hard. We need more light.

Gabriella Cleuren 2013