Dédé
Dédé, the artist behind Atelier Dédé, is an abstract painter and writer based in Europe. He started painting again in 2022 after a hiatus of almost two decades and recently started writing again as well. His essay "Second Hand War" can be found in the CAC Anthology The Mutagens. More of his work is shown on Ig: @dan_dan_paints
Artist: Dédé
Based in Europe
Instagram:
dan_dan_paints
Culturally Arts Collective features:
"Voyage", June 17 - July 29 2022, Milostka Center for Exhibitions
What do you aim to say by the themes in your art?
I want to share my perspective and my impressions of our world and of the society I m living in. We all just can share our version of events and in my art I process and tell mine.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I pull my inspiration mainly from my own experiences. A lot of my work circles around subjects that I have been exposed to, that can be something deep as death/ loss or racism and homophobia but also can be things like breakups and other types of human relationships and human interaction.
Do you have experiences that impacted your art?
Lately I process a lot of ancestor-related themes in my work (Maps of tomorrow / First cycle & Maps of tomorrow / Second cycle) as well as a breakup in 2021 that eventually lead me to start painting again after a hiatus of almost two decades. I also just started a new series in which I thematize the relationship to my late mother as well as the subject of mothers / motherly energy / the worth of women in our society in general.
Do you feel your art challenges existing barriers?
That´s a tough one. I think in a way all art challenge existing barriers of someone and at the same time no art does it. A while ago an artist friend said to me that I have the talent to turn painful subjects into attractive paintings and that this challenges people emotionally, especially as sexual abuse of men still is a taboo. So maybe my art does challenge barriers.
Lately I got quite a few messages of people thanking me and telling me that it means a lot to them that I address the subject of the sexual abuse I've been through in my art and in my writing. And two artists told me that me doing that encourages them to do the same. Speaking and writing about these things still takes a lot from me and triggers me in many ways, but to know that I'm part of someone else's healing journey means a lot to me and makes it worth it.
What are your long-term artistic goals?
Honestly, I have no idea. Long ago I was a painter. Then I stopped painting and started writing. Then I stopped writing too. Right now I paint again and a while ago I also started writing again and doing both makes me really happy.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Just do it. Don't think about it, don't just dream about it. Just go and paint or sculpt or do whatever feels right and interests you. And once you start doing it don't stop. Keep doing it. And try different mediums and genres till you find your niche. And don't ask for permission. Don't ask people or other artists if your art is good enough or if they think you should do art. Your art doesn't have to be validated by others in order to be "good" art.