Interview: Céline Sicard
Luca Curci talks with Céline Sicard during CONTEMPORARY VENICE 2021 – THE SECRET GARDEN, at Misericordia Archives.

“I have a scientific background, with a degree in agricultural engineering and professional experience in the trading of agricultural commodities. However, I have always been fascinated by the world of art and have been involved in several land art projects. I recently decided to dedicate myself entirely to this artistic approach. I was interested in two ancestral crafts: pottery and basketry, that has always and everywhere been used for humble utilitarian objects but with great beauty. Soon enough, the association of these two practices seemed interesting to me. I followed training in these two disciplines in order to start a very personal artistic production in March 2020. My main source of inspiration is the masks. Having existed for thousands of years, on all continents, utilitarian or ritual, they translate the living soul, human or animal: the face is the translator of emotions, intentions. They represent living souls, but the association with plants creates a link to nature that humanity must re-create”.

LUCA CURCI – What is art for you?
CÉLINE SICARD – Art is the very common sense of expression. For me, art begins as soon as a little change is made from a natural state to another state without a utility purpose. Every human being has a desire for expression from the very beginning of his life. As they grow, some people can slow down the expression of their creativity. Some others can push that creativity to its limits; through dance, music, painting.

LC – What are you currently working on?
CS – The field of masks is very wide: I like to explore different directions in parallel. I think they evolve by themself… The lastest is more connected to nature. And I have in mind a new project to confront the very natural material (clay) with modern engineering technologies in one piece of art. The mask has the particularity to be a very old piece of art, and I like the idea that its association with a very modern item could denounce the confrontation between the ancient environmentally wise world and the over-consuming current world.

LC – Which is the role the artist plays in society? And contemporary art?
CS – The artists give a time of reflection/ poetry/ breath. In those very stressful times, they are the useful artisans of the uselessness. Currently, art is everywhere; in the homes, it takes to the streets, in the landscapes, and the borders are increasingly porous. In that way, contemporary art, presented in exhibitions, must be increasingly surprising, as we can see it: in one room, so many media, technics, inspirations are presented and give so many diverse reflections.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
CS – The masks are such a perfect art piece! Of course, I find my inspiration from all the origins of masks, which means on every continent. But they melt easily with scenery from a very different world than masks that I find everywhere: in nature, in my daughter’s naive works, in everyday life.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
CS – I think the most challenging part is the technical part: you have your idea, but you can’t reach it because of a technical reason. In that case, you need to do it many times or to accept to change some little things to reach a very close target.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition?
CS – I enjoy seeing so many different aspects of art in the same room, and representing the same theme. This grouping highlights the many ways in which we can approach art.
In those traumatic times, everybody needs to have a “secret garden”: one place, one thought where we can feel safe, without the pressure that social networks create, by exposing our lives to the public.

LC – In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the exhibition’s theme?
CS – The secret garden is obviously connected to thoughts, and indeed to emotions. Emotions are traduced through the face, and my masks can become the traducer of the emotions. But they can be considered, on the contrary; as a way to hide our real identity, as if someone was putting on a mask to divert his real thoughts. The plants added to the pieces are obviously a link to the real “garden”, as per the original definition of the word.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
CS – ITSLIQUID is a very active platform for arts. This is a very important way to promote new artists as I am: your visibility, your professionalism in the art field is great asset for us. Furthermore, the choice of the mythic Venice to present our art pieces is a great choice. So yes, I would recommend your services.

LC – What are your suggestions about our services? Is there something more we can provide to artists?
CS – I think the most important for emerging artists is communication. So it is good to benefit from this kind of interview and Instagram and internet visibility. I hope you can keep assisting in this domain in the future.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
CS – Without art platforms like yours, the artists would spend many years and efforts to have the kind of exposure you can bring. I appreciate your intense activity on social networks, the diversity of selected artists.