1st Jury Prize, Professional Category, at the Blainville Art Exhibition-Competition

"Au-dessus des océans comme en-dessous" is a striking work by painter Hélène Lachapelle, created in 2024 in Quebec. This acrylic painting on regular canvas, measuring 18 x 36 inches, explores the duality between what happens above and below the oceans. The poetic and evocative title perfectly reflects the ambiguity of the scene depicted, where the viewer can perceive both an aerial view of a rocky coast with birds in flight and an underwater scene with powerful waves and descending currents.

Lachapelle, known for her mastery of abstract art, captures the very essence of nature in motion in this work. The deep blue hues, mysterious grays, and touches of light create a play of shadows and reflections that invites the viewer to dive into a universe that is both serene and tumultuous. The organic forms and textured layers of the painting add a tactile dimension, reinforcing the sense of movement, whether it’s the waves beneath the surface or the birds in the sky.

This painting embodies Lachapelle’s unique ability to evoke emotions through nature. The composition of "Au-dessus des océans comme en-dessous" seems to capture a moment frozen in time, a moment where natural elements are in perfect harmony. The choice of colors, dominated by shades of blue and gray, contrasts with touches of light that create an atmosphere that is both soothing and powerful.

By exploring the boundary between sky and ocean, this work invites the viewer to contemplate the complex and mysterious beauty of nature. It beautifully illustrates how natural elements can reflect and influence each other, whether above or below the oceans. 

"Au-dessus des océans comme en-dessous" is a work that embodies the strength and poetry of nature while offering a deeply introspective visual experience.