Visual Art
Clarisse Abelarde
Fragmented Reality
30 September 2023
Clarisse Abelarde’s fractured depiction of reality and the digital realm.
Fusing figuration and abstraction, Clarisse Abelarde, an emerging artist in the Los Angeles area, poses questions about society’s growing acceptance of the digital realm and false realities through her oil paintings. With her masterful manipulation of oil paint, she merges images onto canvas, crafting a scene that captures both the essence of reality and the enigmatic allure of the digital realm. Her artistic endeavors reflect her deep contemplation on how digital devices and screens have seamlessly integrated into the human experience, leaving her inspired to highlight the draining feelings that mindless online-media consumption often provokes. Each painting holds profound meaning, allowing viewers to delve into their own reflections on the contemporary human experience. One of her pieces, “Quantum Leap (Smoke and Mirrors)”, an impressively large oil painting, was selected as the 3rd place winner of the Liquid Project’s 2023 August art contest.
Clarisse's artistic process is an intricate dance of intuition. Each artwork of hers begins with bold, large abstract marks on the canvas, serving as a foundation for the creativity that will unfold. Rather than meticulously planning her paintings ahead of time, Clarisse adopts a serendipitous approach. She delves into a pile of printed photographs, carefully selected as references, allowing her intuition to guide the choices she makes. It is the thrill of piecing together the elements of a painting, like solving a puzzle, that truly ignites Clarisse's passion for the craft. This process is further enhanced by her consistent exploration and adoption of new paint application techniques and tools, which infuse her works with a sense of experimentation and innovation. Through this amalgamation of intuition, reference, and technique, Clarisse's artistry blossoms into a captivating and evocative expression of her unique perspective on the world.
“I am interested in the fragmentation of space and the active use of imagination or invention to elevate the work, pushing its naturalistic elements using graphic shapes or high color saturation.”
“Quantum Leap (Smoke and Mirrors)”, Oil on canvas
Clarisse's painting, "Quantum Leap (Smoke and Mirrors)," is a captivating masterpiece that spans a thrilling size of 10ft. by 5ft. This intricately detailed artwork originated from Clarisse's intuitive creative practice, displaying her deep understanding of the interplay between mediums and concepts. To begin, she utilized dry pigment and gesso to sketch out the initial trio of images she selected as references. Unsatisfied with the direction of the preliminary sketch, Clarisse chose three alternative images to lay the foundation of the painting. With a deft hand, she then layered new elements, incorporating drawings from old sketches and motifs from previous paintings. The result is a visually stunning composition that evokes a sense of space fragmentation, successfully merging the realms of digital and physical realities. "Quantum Leap (Smoke and Mirrors)" invites viewers into a world where illusions and truths coexist, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and challenging our perception of reality.
“I am trying to speak to the people who feel that they are stradling between the digital and real. There is a sense of mental-fry that goes on when one engages with the digital world for so long, but it is almost inescapable and unavoidable to be on it. Ultimately, I want to empathize in this way while also subconsciously expressing the immigrant experience with the overwhelming composition and ungoundedness.”
Drawing inspiration from the abstract expressionist and impressionist art movements, art forms that celebrate emotion and subjective interpretations, Clarisse skillfully creates a delicate yet intentional balance between the two worlds. As she is an immigrant, Clarisse notes that she carries a conscious sense of not belonging which unintentionally surfaces in her work, injecting a notable sense of anxiety and unease across her paintings. This anxious feeling alongside the subject matter powerfully juxtaposes against the bright colors and general joyous energy. This perfect melting pot of inspiration, life experience, and societal outlook gives Clarisse the ability to to convey the overwhelming external influences and information overload that she, as well as others, experience in their daily lives.
Clarisse Abelarde's artistic talent is undeniably promising, as she delves into important questions that resonate in our increasingly technology-driven world. She has a keen understanding of the way technology invades and directs our daily experiences, commanding our attention more than we often realize. Clarisse's work is not only visually captivating but also rich in detailed exploration of these concepts, breathing a much-needed breath of fresh air into the art world. Her recent completion of the Quinn Emanuel Artist in Residency program further bolstered her confidence, allowing her unique voice to shine even brighter. Clarisse's impact expands beyond her individual talent. As the founder of Nous-Ance, an online platform dedicated to providing opportunities for underrepresented artists, she exemplifies her commitment to spreading opportunities for artists like herself. With her passion and determination, Clarisse Abelarde undoubtedly represents an inspiring raw talent.
