Lyon la Rousse (2023) Painting by Ricou'

Ricou' emerges as a vibrant force in the realm of contemporary French painting, her artistic journey shaped by a unique blend of academic pursuits and an unyielding commitment to resurrecting forgotten faces from the annals of history. Her odyssey commenced amidst the hallowed halls of the University of Paris 13, where she immersed herself in the study of medieval history. The dusty pages of the past, adorned with illustrious figures yet obscured faces, unfolded as an open-air mine of narratives waiting to be unearthed. It was here that Ricou' found her calling, a mission to breathe life into the forgotten visages through the expressive strokes of her pencil.

The early chapters of Ricou's artistic narrative unfold with a deliberate focus on female historical figures and mythological heroines. One of her early canvases showcases the courageous Marie Jeanne Vallet, renowned as "The Maid of Gévaudan," a valiant warrior against a mythical beast. However, Ricou' does not shy away from confronting the darker aspects of history, paying homage to two "heretics" condemned by the Church. Jeanne de Brigue, a revered healer and clairvoyant accused of witchcraft, and Marguerite Porete, a mystical writer and poet associated with the Beguines movement, both find a place in Ricou's palette. Their stories, marked by persecution and the fires of the Inquisition, become vividly embodied under Ricou's brush.

As Ricou' progresses along her artistic journey, her canvas expands beyond the confines of historical narratives. She delves into realms of poetry, spirituality, and even extraterrestrial worlds. Faces remain the focal point of her compositions, transformed into mysterious landscapes that beckon viewers to explore beyond the surface. Ricou' seeks to transcend mere appearances, urging the audience to embrace the convergence of the fantastic and the mundane, tradition and modernity. Her art becomes a clarion call, an urgent invitation to dream, reminding us that within the realms of her canvases, the extraordinary and the everyday coalesce in a celebration of the right to dream.

• Nationality: FRANCE
• Date of birth : 1981
• Artistic domains: Works by professional artists,
• Groups: Professional Artist Contemporary French Artists