Sans Titre (Jambes)

What captivates the viewer’s eyes in Lyse Lemieux’s latest works is the apparent strangeness of the image. In Sans Titre (Jambes), a figure is comprised of six or seven leg-like appendages of various shapes and sizes. The top of the figure features a head in profile raised slightly towards the left, while a full face with squinted eyes protrudes jarringly to the right. Although the figure’s anatomy is puzzling, the symbolism provides clear insight into the mind of the artist. Legs are to most organisms the primary means of locomotion. Yet, for this figure, the menagerie of different limbs appears cumbersome and hindering, like having two left feet. Furthermore, in the presence of the two separate heads, the differences in direction, facial expression, and colour strongly suggest not only each has a mind of its own, but also the minds are at odds with each other.

Lemieux’s work often contains her anxiety, fatigue, and even ridicule of the many worrisome affairs of the world. Even so, humour and fun are always present, giving her works a charming and endearing quality. Despite having what most would consider an alarming number of legs, the figure in Sans Titre (Jambes) does not appear monstrous. Instead, the figure is adorned with lines, patterns, and shapes attractive to the viewer. The dabs of white paint are applied in a direct and genuine manner, creating a playful pattern. The simple yet effective use of swirling white dots on a yellow background is whimsical and energetic. In this way, the repetition of lines and patterns create a much-needed sense of reassurance and comfort, for not only the viewer upon viewing the work, but also for the artist during her meditative painting process.