ALICE COLIN: Where Are You From?

Artist Talk and Reception: Wednesday September 25, 2024 6PM-8PM

*Wednesday nights are free and open to the public 

Former Visiting Artist, Alice Colin, assembled a group of 12 local women who agreed to undergo genetic testing to unveil their ancestral roots, often hidden from view. Alongside this analysis, she conducted in-depth interviews with each woman to delve into their histories, cultural affiliations, ethnic backgrounds, and contributions to the community.

Drawing inspiration from the test results, she curated a distinct color palette for each participant (assigning one color to each ethnicity) and portrayed them using this palette while adhering to the color guidelines. Her primary challenge lay in capturing the proportions of each color in the portrait to mirror the ethnic breakdown revealed by the DNA tests. To complement each painted portrait, she incorporated collages of materials that reflect the cultural and personal essence of each woman. The final pieces serve as a vivid and artistic representation of each woman's identity on a 36 x 48 x 1.5 inch linen canvas.

This exhibition serves as a tribute to the women of various ethnic backgrounds who are currently shaping Charleston and make a difference in their communities, showcasing the beauty and complexity of their individual stories. Through art and storytelling, "Where are you from" invites viewers to reflect on their own identities and the interconnectedness of all humanity.

About Alice

Originally from Bordeaux, France, Alice's journey has taken her across the globe, living and working in countries such as India, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and England before finally settling in Charleston with her husband and sons. As a self-taught artist with a background in psychology and communication, she has a keen interest in recycling and waste control, incorporating these principles into her artwork by using recycled materials like newspapers, stamps, leather, fabrics, and discarded packaging in combination with acrylic colors.

Alice's creative process is driven by her desire to convey emotions and thoughts through a harmonious blend of colors and patterns, constantly seeking a balance between shapes and shades. Drawing inspiration from her travels, adopted countries, and the myriad of expressions she encounters, she focuses on creating pieces that capture the essence, background, and experiences of her subjects.

In her latest series of portraits, Alice is dedicated to celebrating the beauty and strength of mixed ethnic backgrounds, emphasizing the cultural identity and unique personalities that make each individual special. Through her art, she strives to showcase the diversity and richness of human experience, shining a light on the multifaceted nature of identity and heritage.