As some of you might already know, I am a member of the international artist group Libellule. Every year, the founder of the group, Lukas Kandl gives out a theme for the next exhibition project. Most of the time also the size for the painting we are invited to make. We all have about a year, to interpret it in our own way. All the paintings are then introduced to the public at the famous "Salon Comparaisons". It is part of "Art en Capital" at the Grand Palais in Paris, held once a year.

For this time, the theme was "bouquet" (bunch) in 195 x 130 cm. When we get the new theme, we have to decide, if we want to participate or not. Plus we agree, to keep the new theme a secret, until it is unveiled in Paris. I liked this theme right away. It seemed wide open and left a lot of room for interpretation.

With "bouquet", of course, one might think of a bunch of flowers at first. But I wanted it to be something completely different and also slightly provocative.

In my artist statement, it says:

My work is a sensual combination of fantastic and surrealistic images and a unique personal technique. My paintings are whimsical, and often have a witty or erotic touch. My elegant figures seem distant and aloof and merge seamlessly with mechanisms and technologies from another world. I like to play with our comprehension of physics, biology, history and eroticism. Bending one to meet the other, seeming opposites are blended into a fragile balance. Absurd positions, mechanisms and compositions create a sense of twisted humor, sometimes flavored with a hint of subtle obscenity to tempt the viewer to remain and detect the encrypted messages.

I had been working on a series of paintings based on a small paper bag I had brought home from shopping. My idea was to fill this bag according to above statement.

The artwork is oil on canvas with acrylic underpainting. The deadline was last August, since the photo had to be sent in by then for the catalog. Last week it was finally... showtime!

The first time I was in the Grand Palais for the Salon Comparaisons was back in 2009. But I am still excited to see my name on the big board for the exhibition.

The Building is simply spectacular..

The whole setup is more like that of an art fair or convention. Every group has their own booth, where the artworks are being presented for a few days. Then everything is taken down, to make room for the next event.

Here my "Sac Surprise"..

We left around 9pm. After the openings, our whole group always meets for dinner, a nice "family" chat and some good French wine. Even outside, the view of the Grand Palais was stunning.

There is a good connection between my home town and Libellule. We frequently have their shows in our old city hall. As a sign of friendship and support, our mayor had come to the event as well. Here we are on our way to the restaurant.