It is that his observations under the microscope of vegetable seeds, then digitally reworked, transport us completely elsewhere, in an infinitely small which could just as easily be the infinitely large of the cosmos.
This impression of bigger than yourself
, in contact with the works of Fernande Forest, is not insignificant, to hear her on her approach. The black background generated by the scanner she uses contributes to the vertigo that these photographs of seeds give at different stages of their germination.
It looks like it’s floating in space. […] The bottoms are determined by the medium, it’s not me who chooses, but it reveals something powerful to me
, marvels the artist who has lived in Rimouski for several decades.
« One would think that these seeds come from the dawn of time. The textures, it’s prehistoric, even. And it is! »
The one who, in parallel with her artistic practice, worked as a graphic designer for thirty years, maintains a fascination for the plant world. He is, metaphorically, connected to us, to the human
, believes Fernande Forest.
What fascinates me is the vital force of plants. Each plant, whether it is a blade of grass or a tree, has a goal: it is to flourish, it is to grow, so it deploys all its strength, its energy, by capturing the resources it needs in the middle and the sun.
Fernande Forest is particularly interested in the plant life cycle.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Samuel Ranger
« The seed is a destiny, it is more than the object that we see. That’s what it will become, that’s all the potential it has to go to the end of its life cycle. »
The artist explains that by delving into the components of her digital photographs, she seeks the microstructures of the image
, creating this curious marriage of two seemingly completely opposite materials, between the real, the natural, and the data, the computer aspect of the image
.
In parallel with her practice in visual arts, Fernande Forest worked in graphic design for thirty years in Rimouski.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Samuel Ranger
These works are, so to speak, reflections of Fernande Forest’s gaze on the beauty residing in all life, even imperceptible. The nod to Hubert Reeves is thus impossible to pass over in silence, he who said artists, if you want to do something to help protect biodiversity, show us the beauty
, paraphrase Mme Forest.
Fernande Forest’s first solo exhibition at the Musée régional de Rimouski, curated by Ève De Garie Lamanque, is presented until March 20.
It’s important for an artist from the community to have the chance to present in such a well-organized place. […] I am proud to exhibit this work in my community, precisely, so that Rimouskois and Rimouskoises see my work
, rejoices the artist.
As holding a vernissage was impossible, the museum organized six Sundays of visits by appointment, to allow the curious to discuss with the artist.
