Pascal Convert's Retrospective of Imprints Explores Memory and Mortality

Pascal Convert's retrospective, "Empreintes," showcases works that use casting and imprinting techniques to explore themes of memory, absence, and mortality. Key pieces include "Potiches chinoises et chien de Fô" (1989), solid Venetian glass vases and a dog, inspired by the light of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna. "Autoportrait : empreinte de bras et tête" (1992) is a negative imprint of the artist's head and arms in silver on copper, designed to be embedded in a wall. "Portrait : empreintes de rides" (1993) captures wrinkles in red and black Japanese lacquer, freezing time. "Empreinte : cerisier atomisé du temple Seiju-ji, Hiroshima" (1997-1998) presents lacquered polyester casts of an atomized cherry tree from Hiroshima, evoking catastrophe and mourning. An untitled 1995 wax bell, part of a series, is a fragile, silent object that alludes to Christian traditions of silence during Holy Week. The exhibition was reviewed in artpress in November 2007.