Exploring the Depths of "Forêt de l'Ancien Empire"

Art has a way of speaking to both the artist and the viewer, often in ways that transcend words. With, "Forêt de l’Ancien Empire," I aimed to capture a blend of history and abstraction, evoking the grandeur and mystery of ancient civilizations. Inspired by my fascination with Ancient Rome and its impressive war conquests, this painting allows viewers to explore an abstract narrative that reflects the power, presence, and intrigue of those times.

The painting's intense blue backdrop immediately draws the eye. For me, this blue is not just a colour but a representation of vastness—whether it’s the sky or the depths of the unknown. Blue has always had a profound impact on how we perceive space and distance. It creates an atmosphere that feels both open and secretive, mirroring the hidden stories of ancient empires that once ruled over vast lands.
Contrasting the blue are bold golden strokes, resembling flags or tall banners rising against the horizon. These golden accents symbolize conquest, power, and triumph, much like the grand flags of Roman legions marching toward victory. The banners stand tall, unyielding, and remind us of the glory and might of empires that carved their names into history.

Beneath these banners, a black horizontal line runs across the canvas, creating a structured base. This dark stroke feels like a boundary, perhaps representing the battlefield, soldiers, or the uncertain line between life and death in war. The black serves as a stark contrast to the lighter, brighter gold above, reminding us of the harsh reality beneath the surface of victory.
The grey tones and swirling shadows below the black line, on the other hand, evoke a sense of mystery and depth. The greys blend with subtle touches of gold, creating a fluid, almost fog-like effect that could symbolize the ancient forests where armies might have marched or the shadows of the soldiers themselves. There is an element of movement here, as if the painting is caught between stillness and action, much like the tension before a battle.

What I enjoy most about creating art is how it allows for personal interpretation. Different viewers see different stories in the same painting. Some have seen the golden banners as sails of ships, navigating through stormy seas, while others have seen fields of wheat beneath a setting sun. The beauty of abstraction lies in its openness to perception, allowing each person to connect with it in their own unique way.
In fact, this is something I cherish in all of my works—how viewers can project their thoughts, emotions, and experiences onto the canvas. My earlier piece, "Burn and Fire," drew interpretations ranging from wheat fields to snowy landscapes to dandelion flower storms, all based on how the viewer engaged with the abstract shapes and colours.

The process of creating "Forêt de l’Ancien Empire" began with a vision inspired by both history and the natural world. The title itself hints at a time long past, where the might of an empire was felt across the land, yet it also nods to the quieter moments—the forests, the fog, and the shadows that existed on the periphery of great battles.
Like my earlier works, this painting allowed me to play with texture and movement. I used textured paste to give the piece depth, especially in the grey and gold swirls. These textures, when viewed up close, add an almost tactile dimension to the painting, inviting viewers to engage not just visually but imaginatively, as if they could reach out and feel the history within.
As with any artwork, the final piece reflects both my inspiration and the journey it took to complete it. Creating "Forêt de l’Ancien Empire" was a meditative process, combining bold colour choices with the delicate balance of texture and form. It represents both a tribute to ancient history and a step forward in my exploration of abstract narrative through paint.

I encourage everyone who views this piece to take their time with it. Let your imagination roam. Whether you see ancient banners, deep forests, or something else entirely, the beauty of abstract art is that there is no right or wrong interpretation. What matters is the story it tells you, and how that story connects to your own experiences.
"Forêt de l’Ancien Empire" is a reflection of my ongoing fascination with history, nature, and the power of abstraction to bridge the gap between the past and the present. I hope this painting, like many of my works, invites you to think, feel, and interpret in your own unique way.