“The true profession of a man is to find a way to himself” – Herman Hesse

Nicolas Auvray Gallery is pleased to announce the second solo exhibition of acclaimed contemporary artist Clément Denis, Beyond the Lines, Where Borders Collapse (Au-Delà Des Lignes, Là Où Les Frontières S’effondrent), opening October 10, 2024. This new body of work explores the complexities of migration, resettlement, and the human condition, inviting viewers to explore the profound experiences that shape our shared history.

Denis’ latest exhibition focuses on three critical phases of migration: The Wait, The Movement, and The Struggle of Resettling. Through these themes, Denis approaches migration not as a political issue but through a deeply humanistic and existential lens. His work challenges the notion of le vivre ensemble (living together), highlighting the complex emotional and social dynamics that migration evokes in an increasingly divided world.

Denis’ work portrays the tensions and connections between individuals and groups and features ambiguous, multifaceted characters. Some appear in moments of embrace, while others reflect conflict or even solitude, evoking the displacement and isolation often experienced by those at borders. Drawing from his training in judo and jiu-jitsu, Denis incorporates bodily movements into his artistic process, using acrylic paint and woven paper to symbolize the paradoxes of human connection and struggle.