Hadrien Jacquelet’s paintings move fluidly between likeness and invention, portraying friends, public figures, and himself as figures that shift from faithful representation to idealized, almost mythical forms. In his recent work, he presents synthetic, androgynous figures that probe questions of identity and selfhood in contemporary society.
Jacquelet draws inspiration from a wide spectrum of subjects, ranging from those within his personal circle to mythological beings, cultural icons, and public personas. His compositions generate a tension between the visible and the concealed, the figure and its vibrant, carefully constructed backdrop, exploring themes such as gender, sexuality, and violence. Recent paintings feature nudes, palm trees, a man on a lawn, a window, unidentified portraits, and scenes from the artist’s studio. By moving away from portraits of widely recognized figures toward more traditional and anonymous subjects, Jacquelet shifts focus toward the human figure itself and the expressive possibilities of painting as a medium. ...
