Dominique Théâte's Autofictional Drawings at La 'S'

An exhibition of paintings and drawings by Dominique Théâte at La 'S' in Vielsalm, Belgium, showcases his autofictional self-representations and imaginary projections. After a severe motorcycle accident and a long coma, Théâte, who now lives in a disability center, has been attending La 'S' day center almost daily, where he participates in various artistic workshops. The exhibition excludes collaborative works made with guest artists or other residents. Anne-Françoise Rouche, director of La 'S', encourages such interactions to stimulate residents' creative processes while maintaining their autonomy. Théâte's singular artworks are described by Christian Berst as 'personal mythologies,' a term borrowed from Harald Szeemann, often applied to Art Brut creators. His 'schemas representing me' are fictions staging himself, reminiscent of Christian Boltanski's 'model images' but without irony. Despite the deadpan humor in captions, Théâte's works express unattainable desires: a romantic relationship with a female day center personality, owning a BMW. He draws on film stills of embracing couples to signify love, and adopts avatars like wrestler 'Domi'hic,' astronaut, rock singer, soldier, writer, or artist. Christian Berst notes that only an 'r' is missing from his name to become 'théâtre' (theater), fitting for someone reinventing his life daily through multiple roles.