Dimensions: 31x43cm
2005-2006 – series of 12 diptychs (31 X 43 cm X 2)
Mixed technique: crochet, embroidery, photo – Materials: wool, embroidery thread, tarlatan, photo
This project is made up of a series of 24 pieces of identical format (31cm x 43cm), ie 12 prints of "scans" of fragments of human bodies to which 12 pieces of textile, all unique but produced using the same process, respond.
Within this global series, there are 6 “sub-series” each made up of 2 pairs of works: a part of the male body echoes the same part of the artist's body. These “scans” are arranged opposite their textile counterpart: a crocheted surface in a range of colors specific to each piece, on which is fixed a strip of tarlatan carrying a message embroidered with a shimmering thread.
The messages inscribed on the tarlatan are nothing but sweet little words from the language of love. They are stated from the point of view of the artist who then becomes an actor in the situations evoked: my little heart, my treasure... your lover, your fairy,...
In order to make her “scans”, Lili Bel called on different protagonists. For each of them, she chose a different part of the body: shoulders, torso, buttocks...
In the presentation of the work, these fragments of male bodies respond to the same fragments of his own body. Each of these visuals being associated with its textile message, the masculine and the feminine rub shoulders, juxtapose, respond to each other, thus questioning the relationship between man and woman in what is most intimate, most secret.
The refinement of the embroidery work, the choice of colors, textures, the precision of the scanned images – revealing the grain of the skin, its slightest hair, its slightest spot, testify to a meticulous application, which reinforces the precious aspect. and delicate of what is shown here: the intimacy, the sensuality of the bodies in the love relationship.
However, the very fact of deflowering this intimacy by thus exhibiting it in a succession of "paintings" in which we discover different male morphologies for a single female body, contributes to creating a certain discomfort or at least a questioning as to the intentions of this work. Likewise, the title of the work: ÉPHÉMÈRE, helps to sow doubt. What is it really about?
Are we there before the sacralization of the state of love?
In front of a hunting board?
Or are we witnessing an incessant quest... never filled with Love?
If the body of the artist appears in an obvious way and assumed as such, the partners evoked in this work remain anonymous and unidentifiable. This gives the images a universal aspect, and at the same time questions us about the status of the romantic relationship. Can one replace the other or the next one?
Are we there in a certain idea of love or rather in an autobiographical trace of an experience of Lili Bel?
Be that as it may, this project is once again about confronting the passage of time, the life that unfolds with its multiple experiences that are sometimes ephemeral and elusive. It is part of a logical continuation of the previous works of the artist for whom it is once again a question of crocheting, embroidering his life, his happiness, his suffering, to better appropriate them, as if to fix them, make them immortal...
Florence Garnier, September 2005
Developped by e-Ness, website creation and web agency