Les Matheron-1 by Camille Henrot Engraving

It was in our Chalcography workshop in Saint Denis, near Paris, under the expert guidance of its printers and engravers, that the artist chose two particular copper engraving techniques: sugar aquatint and line etching. The artist carried out numerous preliminary tests, exploring many plates before arriving at the final composition, combining spontaneity of gesture with precision. This approach gives each print a ritualistic dimension, where preparation is just as essential as execution. The artisans in the workshops are thus called upon to respect this freedom of gestural expression and to accompany the artist with attention, respecting his creative process. The inclusion of color was an integral part of the work's design. Very quickly, the artist chose to orient his palette towards bronze, punctuated with a touch of red. This subtle use of color creates a link between the two characters, reinforcing their coherence and establishing visual continuity between them.

Camille Henrot's practice largely unfolds in series, an aspect that echoes the very nature of engraving. This serial dimension is fully reflected in the work of the studios, where each proof and each preparatory plate contributes to the development of a coherent and thoughtful whole. Les Matheron - 1 thus combines rigor and freedom, method and spontaneity, offering a unique and deeply constructed vision of the work, where the assertive female presence embodies a contemporary reinterpretation of historical narrative.