Painting from one of Alfred de Dreux which was a famous equestrian painter of the 19e century. Medium: acrylic, black chalk, ink and gesso on paper (265g/m2), without frame, finished with a varnish, sent rolled in a tube Size: 15.7" x 11.8" / 40 x 30 cm Year: 2018

Benedicte Gele

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The Horse's Body as a Conduit of Emotions Born in 1975, French and international artist Bénédicte Gelé began as a graphic designer, a background that has left its mark on her works through her use of line. Drawn to horses from a young age without knowing exactly why, she eventually discovered that the horse mirrors her own emotions and, by extension, those of the viewer. This unconscious choice of animal is no coincidence, as horses embody the essence of minimalist expressions due to their status as prey. A wide range of emotions are subtly and finely expressed through their bodies, eyes, and nostrils. It is this kind of subtle expression that Gelé seeks to translate through modern writing, using lines, textures, and glazes. It is interesting to note that the same painting can evoke sometimes opposing impressions. Where one person might see curiosity, another might see fear. Thus, Gelé’s paintings act as catalysts for the viewer’s experiences, allowing them to identify their own emotions through a personal interpretation. Or perhaps those emotions they have already observed in others, be it horse or human. Gelé is an explorer of techniques; she loves to combine them, enriching her paintings and keeping them fresh, offering infinite possibilities and a varied range of expression in her work. Her art is rich in texture and contrast, using palettes of vibrant colors, earthy tones, or subtle black and white, depending on her mood. "I use the horse’s body as a conduit of emotions: theirs, mine, and yours. This invisible link weaves and reveals those connections from soul to soul."