Pierre Picot (paintings and drawings “in absentia”)

I love Pierre Picot‘s art. I first saw his paintings, drawings, and woodcuts hanging in the Silver Lake home he shared with his wife designer and perfumer Wendy Holden before they moved to Bretagne, France late last year, and I felt they had such a European feel to them (Picot is originally from Paris, and had lived in the States for decades, and taught at Cal State Northridge). And now, back in the States with a show of his paintings and drawings at Beyond Baroque, much of his work looks to me distinctly American–the exception being his landscapes of Bretagne.

Pierre collects stuff–the Silver Lake house was full of his art and things he found to use as inspiration and in making his sculptures. Wendy collects stuff too–amazing fabrics she used to make custom shoes–I admit I have multiple pairs; vintage perfumes; scarves, glorious stones and pieces to use in her jewelry; plus beautiful china; antiques and oh their, “We’re Moving to France!” open house/bon voyage parties were astounding!

Pierre and Wendy are back in Los Angeles for a brief stay and brought his latest work with him for his (paintings and drawings “in absentia”) show at Beyond Baroque. Some of the most engaging paintings are of pieces of wood with faces, Wendy told me that they were paintings of shingles that Pierre found in Silver Lake and shipped to France.  The she added that Pierre goes into the woods surrounding the chateau where they live and finds wood he brings home.  If he finds a living branch that speaks to him, he paints it on the branch itself. One large branch along the road to their home is painted like a dragon.

Picot’s painting is delicate, humorous, poignant while his drawings are swirls of charcoal, abstract, swirling, dreamlike. (paintings and drawings “in absentia) runs through My 19th. Pierre will be at exhibition, Saturday April 27 from 10am-1pm, and May 4  from 2pm-6pm.

Pierre Picot (paintings and drawings “in absentia”)
Beyond Baroque’s Mike Kelley Gallery
681 Venice Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
Ph: 310-822-3006
Fax: 310-821-0256
Gallery is open on Fridays 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturdays 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, and one hour before and after events.

 

  

Photos: Alex Gordon/CARTWHEEL