Ether (2018) Painting by Théophile Delaine

Théophile Delaine is a contemporary artist, born in 1969 in Champagne, whose creative journey has been deeply influenced by a lifelong quest for escape and freedom. From his earliest memories, Delaine's parents instilled in him a sense of wanderlust, traversing countries in their Volkswagen minibus, from Greece to northern Africa, Afghanistan, and Nepal. These formative experiences left an indelible mark on Delaine, igniting within him a perpetual desire to explore new horizons and express his innermost thoughts through art.

At the age of 19, Delaine ventured to Paris to pursue studies in music at the University of Paris VIII and the conservatory. It was during this time that he discovered the world of visual arts and contemporary art in the capital, leading him to embark on a journey of self-discovery through painting and sculpture. While maintaining a passion for music, particularly the double bass, Delaine gradually found himself drawn more towards the realm of visual expression, experimenting with various techniques and mediums to hone his craft.

By the age of 23, Delaine fully immersed himself in the world of painting, diligently refining his technique and exploring diverse artistic styles, from figurative to abstract. A move to Crete at 26 provided him with the opportunity to further delve into his artistic pursuits, capturing the essence of the mountains and the surrounding landscapes in his portraits. It was during this period that Delaine's quest for freedom found its visual expression, inspired by the works of artists such as Paul Rebeyrolles, Van Gogh, and ultimately, Zao Wou Ki.

Upon reaching 30 years of age, Delaine settled in Limousin, establishing a small workshop where he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his art. His commitment bore fruit as he began to sell his paintings, embarked on formal studies in plastic arts to deepen his theoretical understanding, and organized his inaugural solo exhibition. Yet, for Delaine, true freedom transcended mere artistic expression; it had to be lived and experienced firsthand.

In 2004, Delaine embarked on a new chapter of his artistic journey, expatriating to Madagascar, where he found fertile ground for the development of his unique abstract style. Over the years, he exhibited his work extensively across the island, delving into the mysteries of existence and humanity's origins through his art.

At the age of 46, Delaine relocated once more, this time to Reunion Island, where he continues to draw inspiration from the island's natural beauty and serenity. Surrounded by mountains and immersed in nature, Delaine's artistic vision has matured, as he navigates the delicate balance between abstraction and figuration, creating evocative paintings that reflect his profound exploration of the human experience.

• Nationality: FRANCE
• Date of birth : 1969
• Artistic domains: Works by professional artists,
• Groups: Professional Artist Contemporary French Artists