Emilie Picard

b. 1984, France

In her large-scale paintings, Emilie Picard creates complex narratives, blending figuration, abstraction, deep psychological undercurrents, and art historical references—ranging from Abstract Expressionism to early Italian Renaissance frescoes.

Like a theatrical stage director, she carefully choreographs and positions her "actors"—whether a toy giraffe, a broken toy house, a belt, or an umbrella—each element contributing to psychologically charged compositions. Picard's unique talent lies in crafting works that are both playful and light, yet somber and profound. This duality serves as a metaphor for the world around us: while many cheerful elements brighten our lives, the overall picture conveys a sense of brokenness and societal fragmentation. As such, her work feels deeply contemporary.

The theme of Vanitas best encapsulates Emilie Picard's oeuvre. Rooted in the Old Testament’s Ecclesiastes and with a rich history in painting, Vanitas often depicted objects symbolizing the inevitability of death, the transience of life, and the futility of earthly achievements. These collections traditionally included skulls, manuscripts, and related paraphernalia. Picard takes this timeless subject and reinterprets it for the modern age, incorporating discarded toys, trash, random pieces of clothing, and remnants of human activity. Her canvases, too, bear cracks, gaps, and tears, emphasizing the fragility of life and our own inevitable physical degradation and disappearance.