Is it a bird? Is it a man? No, it’s a work of art by French contemporary artist Patrick Rubinstein.
Known for creating three-dimensional works that play with the illusion of movement and perception, the Parisian artist is set to bring his newest body of work to Belfast art enthusiasts.
“My artistic approach is based on creating ever-changing works where interaction with the viewer is essential. I am very excited to bring my work to a northern Irish audience for the first time,” says Rubinstein whose art has transformed the boundaries between kinetic art and pop culture.
Patrick Rubinstein’s L’homme au ciré bleu will feature at Timeless Visions, which will be on display at Gormleys in Belfast from April 12-30
Born in Paris in 1960, Rubinstein has established himself as an innovative figure on the international art scene.
His vibrant, layered works, characterised by bold lines and vivid colours create an immersive visual experience. The paintings can literally be like a moving silhouette dancing before your eyes.
“I want my works to convey positive energy and evoke emotion and surprise. My intention is to create a dynamic connection with the viewer, where the visual movement stimulates both reflection and wonder.
I invite the audience to rediscover the artwork at every moment
— Patrick Rubinstein
“By playing with optical illusions and transforming images depending on the viewing angle, I invite the audience to rediscover the artwork at every moment,” enthuses Rubenstein about the desired impact of his art upon audiences.
Born in 1960 at the height of the pop art era in Paris, Rubinstein was immersed in the world of art from an early age, frequently visiting iconic museums such as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.
However, it was the modern art displayed at the Pompidou Centre that truly sparked his passion to become an artist.
Patrick Rubinstein will bring his exhibition, Timeless Visions, to Gormleys Belfast this month
He was particularly drawn to the works of optical and kinetic artists such as Victor Vasarely, Yaacov Agam, and Carlos Cruz-Diez.
“I am fascinated by how these artists merged geometric lines, shapes, and colours to create the illusion of movement and visual play.
“I am captivated by how they play with the limits of the human eye’s perception, which has influenced my unique style,” Rubinstein shares.
Great names from Pop Art like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein have also played an important role in his creative process.
Pop Art Marilyn by Patrick Rubinstein
His works often feature major icons and celebrities of the second half of the 20th century such as Marilyn Monroe and John Lennon, and pay tribute to major artists from the same period, such as Van Gogh, Picasso and Warhol.
Since 2019, Rubenstein’s art has moved away from a pop art influence with the creation of art inspired by Art Nouveau.
“My ‘imaginary museum’ allows me to explore new aesthetics by drawing from art history and contemporary movements. Surrealism also plays a central role in my artistic evolution, as evidenced by my collaboration with the Espace Dalí in Paris, for which I created special pieces following their invitation,” he explains.
“The great masters of the Italian and Flemish Renaissance taught me the fundamentals of composition – light and colour – guiding my own creative process.
“I also like to explore 20th century artistic movements, such as expressionism, cubism, surrealism and pop art. Every encounter, every work of art and every daily experience enriches my language, driving me to seek innovation. It fuels my desire to create and drives me to constantly challenge established conventions.”
Titled Timeless Visions, the exhibition, which runs in Gormleys Belfast this month, showcases a remarkable selection of his latest works
“This body of work is inspired by some of my favourite old and modern master painters including Henri Matisse, Gustav Klimt, Johannes Vermeer and Frida Kahlo.
“I love to blend the more traditional subject matters with my contemporary style. I have also started to use a lot of gold leaf which really brings the works to life.”
As well as iconic artists, Rubinstein has his father, and his teenage desire to own a car, to thank for the path his life has taken him
Patrick Rubinstein’s Danse et Couleurs
“It was my father who introduced me to kinetic art techniques when I was very young. One day, when I asked him to buy me a car, he taught me a creative way to achieve it myself: using the folding technique to create three-dimensional paintings. Thanks to the sale of my first artworks, I was able to buy a second-hand Peugeot GTI, which was quite iconic at the time,” he explains.
“This experience marked the beginning of my artistic journey and taught me the importance of innovation in achieving my goals.”
Initially carefully cutting images into strips and attaching them to a pyramid-shaped corner structure, Rubinstein is grateful for the advances of the digital era.
“Digital technology has radically transformed the way I work, saving me a tremendous amount of time. In my early days, I created everything by hand, which required immense precision and patience. Today, digital tools allow me to work faster and more efficiently, without sacrificing the quality or creativity of my pieces”.
In terms of the future, Rubinstein is always open to sparks of creativity.
“My best ideas come when I’m relaxed – I get inspired by things I see in my daily life, on my travels, by visiting exhibitions and museums. I brainstorm and jot down notes. I stay open-minded and flexible, because who knows where my next big idea will come from?”
Timeless Visions will be on display at Gormleys in Belfast from April 12–30. See Gormleys.ie for more details.