The waters of Sébastien Frère

Artist Sébastien Frère is currently presenting two exhibitions that reflect his deep connection with nature and his artistic heritage. Son of the painter, engraver and sculptor Henri Frère, and grandson of the Catalan poet Josep Sebastià Pons, Frère grew up surrounded by art. In his home, frequented by artists such as Aristide Maillol, François Desnoyer and Germain Bonel, he absorbed the lessons of these masters, who undoubtedly influenced his development as a creator. This family tradition, combined with his own artistic approach, has resulted in a work that always seeks harmony, especially through mastering the techniques of the fire arts.

Now, Frère offers us a double chance to immerse ourselves in his universe with two simultaneous exhibitions. The first can be visited at the Casa Restany Chapel in Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda , where five large paintings are exhibited that capture the beauty of the natural world. In these large-format pieces, the artist uses suggestive landscapes, rich textures and plays of light to explore his most intimate impressions. This exhibition, which will remain open until October 15, invites the viewer to contemplate nature through Frère's eyes, where the reflections of water, rocks and trees come to life on the canvas.

The second show, located at the Château Royal de Colliure , offers a much wider collection, with 40 canvases and works on paper. In this space, texture becomes the central element of his work, with marks, scratches and glazes that evoke the most traditional craftsmanship. On the canvases, Frère works the surfaces with subtle overlays of color that add depth, while in his works on paper he uses the transfer technique, creating accidents and irregularities that enrich the compositions and endow them with a particular freshness. This exhibition can be visited until October 27, offering an immersive experience in his creative world.

The environment is the first source of inspiration for Frère. He lives in an old mill surrounded by lush nature, with large trees and rocks that often become the protagonists of his works. This landscape not only provides him with reasons to paint, but also infuses his creations with a deep sense of serenity and connection to the natural world. In works such as 'Le grand plouff', the artist reflects this interaction between memory and imagination, transforming the memories of his childhood into landscapes full of life and light.

'Le grand plouff', 2020