Cynthia Girard-Renard

Cynthia Girard-Renard has been developing a multilayered work where political activism, identity issues and animal imaginary come together through a broad range of techniques. Hers is an experimental and theatrical approach to the exhibition context, such as large format paintings, banners, scenic backdrops, costumes and accessories, mobiles, sound sculptures, support structures, performance, and so on.

By defying the traditional categories of artistic mediums, Girard-Renard deconstructs hierarchies of styles. Her repertoire draws as much from the visual language of art history—from monochromes to Art Brut by way of Minimalism and Surrealism—as it does from modes of expression belonging to popular culture or the so-called “minor arts”—such as comics, children’s book illustrations, folk tales, decorative arts, feminine crafts, burlesque theatre, and satirical cartoons. Girard-Renard’s works therefore create often highly colourful hybrid spaces where distant realities are now juxtaposed, even interpenetrated, thus generating a viewing experience of perceptual and conceptual vertigo.

Denying any temporal coherence, Girard-Renard’s free thematic associations open up poetic spaces of reflection where satire and urgency briefly intertwine. A variety of ideas are considered, such as the ecological future of the planet, the precariousness of national or gender identities, the absurdity of austerity measures and more, all through imagining worlds where animals, unicorns and great historical figures meet to discuss the future, utopia and freedom.

Area of Expertise

Painting, installation and poetry

Research interests