Anne-Marie Durou

“Anne-Marie Durou applies a theory of difference, a distortion between what is expected and what exists. The noble harmony of the engraved theatrical decors, evoking classical interior woodwork of the 18th century, diverts the eye by an unexpected perspective which disturbs our habitual vision: our attention is attracted by themes which are revealed after the fact, beyond the apparent and the immediate. The spectator is projected into a space-time nebula; a path takes shape within memories, and the works call to mind situations experienced and objects seen but in a blur that is rich in sensations: nothing defined or precise, and yet the certainty of an iridescent wealth in itself, like the projected and trembling shadows of the famous Platonic allegory of the cave. Disorientation is at work through the intermediary of ordinary elements installed in an unusual, and often dream-like décor. The composition becomes exotic in the etymological sense: it is a representation “of the outside”, thus other and alien, and consequently fantastic.”

Excerpt from the essay by Sylviane Pène, "Double vue", 2013
Translated by Simon Pleasance, 2015