Tête à tête with Angèle Verret

The idea of a conversation between two artists took hold with an invitation to visit Angèle Verret’s studio. She was unveiling her latest production with her usual discretion. To bear witness to this encounter, I will attempt to interweave two different ways of “saying” art practice: a tête-à-tête for two voices.

I have known Angèle for many years, and the artistic friendship that has gradually developed between us has given rise to true and candid exchanges. Discovering a work in progress, however, is always a moment when the strict intimacy of production meets the reality of the gaze and the nudity of words. We do not invite ourselves into an artist’s studio: we enter through the narrow door. We then experience that which is gradually revealed to us. Few words are needed, just scattered points of view that fade away on seeing works freshly hung on irregular, blotchy, and unevenly lit walls. Where well-ordered rows of paint sit on a shelf and where, spread out on a table, are small, strange supports covered in many shades of grey. Where brushes and spatulas are arrayed on a bench and wooden rods that served to paint the surfaces rest in a haphazard jumble. Studio production is invariably fascinating, intriguing, generous, and little voiced. No more was needed to engage in an altogether friendly and curious conversation.