Philippe Pastor, The Four Seasons

The Four Seasons series marks a decisive stage in the work of artist Philippe Pastor. Only by understanding his profound attachment to nature, can the consistency of his evolution be explained. The Series belongs to the continuity of the Burnt Trees sculpture series, the Sky Watches the Earth paintings, exhibited at the 53rd Venice Biennial, and the Hearts, bringing to a pinnacle his eternal dialogue with nature.

Witness of contemporary man’s detachment from the seasons and his distance from the earth’s intrinsic rhythm, the artist responds decisively choosing to create “in nature, with nature”. Layering the countryside with immense canvases, he works with the weather, as well as with minerals and plants of all kinds found in the area. These canvases encompass masses of natural pigments displayed in a striking manor. Pastor seems to have discovered a completely gestural definition of space, both dynamic and chromatic. He feels nature not a hostile environment that must be faced but rather an infinite source of possible harmonies. These canvases are intended to remain out in the open for several months and, as any work in progress, to evolve with the weather and all other natural erosions: man and nature interact creating a sensitive harmony. Thus, beyond merely capturing the successive rhythm of the seasons as one follows one and other, Pastor seeks to define the fundamental interaction between the I and nature itself.

Alexandra Marini

Philipe Pastor - The Four Seasons