Julien Breton: Calligraphic Light Painting

Julien Breton

Calligraphic Light Painting

La beauté. The beauty. Arabic calligraphy. Tetouan, Morocco, 2015. Calligraphy by Julien Breton aka Kaalam. Photography by Cisco Light-painting

Julien Breton is a french artist, also known as Kaalam, who grew up surrounded by Arab culture, which greatly influenced his artistic career. The dynamic nature of Arabic calligraphy captured Breton’s attention and he has been exploring the movement and poetic nature of the written and abstract form of this written language ever since. Long-exposure photography captures Breton’s light and movement in front on unique backdrops all over the world. Although it is hard to believe, Breton nor the photographers digitally retouch any of their work.

The dynamic and glowing attributes to these still images, still invoke the movements Breton used to draw the light which is captured in each photograph. I like Breton, am captivated by the Arabic calligraphic form that dances and floats through the buildings and along or above the cityscapes on which he paints them with light.

Fraternité. Arabic calligraphy. Alexandria, Egypt, 2015.

Julien Breton. Photo by Davide DiTria

Jodhpur - Nagaur - February 2013 Calligraphy : Julien Breton Photography : David Gallard Technical assistant : Boris Collineau Vidéo : Yannick Leboeuf

New Year, New Color Inspiration

Oh, hi, New Color of the Year!

A new year brings a new Color of the Year: Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet 👋

I, for one, am incredibly excited about this direction as purple has always been one of my favorite colors. Purple's richness and depth are hard to describe - and I think that is what makes it such an inspiring color choice.

In my mind, purple evokes regality or mysticism or suggests individuality and eccentricity. The cool undertone in Ultra Violet suggests a calm energy resonating from this color. 

Inspired to incorprate this color into some new work in 2018. Wishing you all a fabulous start to this new year!

 


Here are some of my favorite Ultra Violet finds from the past and the present... 

Moon Path, Milton Avery, 1958

Unikko, Maija and Kristina Isola for Marimekko

Alternative Blade Runner 2049 Poster by elpatoconbotas

Alternative Blade Runner 2049 Poster by elpatoconbotas

Womb Chair, Eero Saarinen

Womb Chair, Eero Saarinen

Woher? Wo? Wohin?, Paul Klee, 1940

Skyspace Zuoz, James Turrell, 2005