July 2007

“La Long de la Grosne, (Along the Grosne), seen by the American, James Michalopoulous”

Le Journal de Saone-et-Loire
by: David Rivory

His French is hesitant, but James Michalopoulos holds to it, “Nous sommes en France, alors, il faut parler francais.” (“We are in France so we should speak French.”)

This New Orleans native painter proves his declaration of love for our country. He unpacked his suitcases on the edges of the River Grosne, and ever since, his brushes have not ceased to sing out with his very original and personal style. In fact, Mr. Michalopoulos does not like to be placed in a box: “I do not define my work as impressionism, abstract. Others do that for me. For me, it would be more a combination of expressionism and impressionism with very clear signifying abstractions.” 

Uncompromisingly, what Mr. Michalopoulos values with most relevance is, “to present the essence of the subject and to find the core of the truth,” and likes to paint above all what pleases him, that which he finds beautiful, to share with the public his sentiments and his passion. And though James Michalopoulos insists working without rules, he has however his technical habits, “oil on canvas in large scale works with palate knife and brush.” 

Also holding to the level of colors, the artist takes his liberties, “I have a way of presenting nature that is correct for me. I seek to bring a variety, a liveliness and a vibration of nature.” The result is a painting, very alive, complex and perpetually in motion, an image of the nature of which James Michalopoulos is so fond. “But watch out,” he warns, “I don’t paint as a photo, I show my interpretation.” It is necessary to say that with the numerous nuances of the color the artist uses, one can only recognize the intent of the starting point. The artist’s mixture of it all, reinvents the image. And with the exhibition titled, “Le Long de La Grosne,” (“Along the Grosne”), James Michalopoulos knew to magnify the course of the water and its shores, reinvent a corner of nature close to us, giving us a yearning to rediscover it.

Exhibition: “Le Long de La Grosne” by James Michalopoulos through July 15, 2007 at the Refectoire de Moines. Open every day from 9:30am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 6:00pm. No admission price. Artist’s reception will be Friday, July 6 starting at 6:00pm.

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