Date of Interview: March 6, 2025
Location: Galerie Claire Corcia, Paris
Interviewer: Kasra Aliha
Introduction
Hélène Duclos is a contemporary French artist known for her intricate, emotionally charged works that navigate themes of identity, memory, and the human condition. Her practice spans painting, drawing, and mixed media, often incorporating symbolic imagery to explore deeply personal yet universally resonant narratives.
Her latest exhibition, Le collier rouge des reines nues, presented at Galerie Claire Corcia, delves into the experiences of womanhood across cultures. The recurring motif of a red necklace in her works serves as a powerful symbol—representing cycles of pain and pleasure, visibility and invisibility, adornment and restraint. Through this collection, Duclos invites viewers to reflect on the social roles imposed on women and the emotional weight they carry.
On the occasion of the exhibition’s opening on March 6, 2025, I had the opportunity to speak with Hélène Duclos about her artistic process, inspirations, and the messages she hopes to convey through her work.
Kasra Aliha:
Hélène, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to speak with you today about your latest exhibition. The title, Le collier rouge des reines nues, is quite striking. How did you come up with this concept?
Hélène Duclos:
This series reflects the experience of being a woman in different societies. The red necklace serves as a recurring symbol of the female cycle—one that brings both pain and ecstasy, power and invisibility. This exhibition is an invitation to contemplate the social roles of women and how the female body is perceived across cultures.
Kasra Aliha:
How have you visually represented this symbol in your works?
Hélène Duclos:
In this series, the red necklaces intertwine with the female figures. Sometimes they appear as adornments, sometimes as restraints, and in certain works, they resemble wounds. This duality—between beauty and limitation—is what guided me in this creative journey. I have tried to capture this emotional depth through layered textures and rich colors.
Kasra Aliha:
Did your personal experiences influence the creation of these works?
Hélène Duclos:
Absolutely. As a woman, I have constantly grappled with the question of how much the female body and identity can remain personal and how much they are shaped by external perceptions. Through this series, I wanted to convey some of these emotions and reflections through my paintings and drawings.
Kasra Aliha:
Today’s exhibition is being held at Galerie Claire Corcia. How do you feel about this space for presenting your work?
Hélène Duclos:
Galerie Claire Corcia has a warm yet dynamic atmosphere that allows the artworks to truly engage with the audience. The lighting and spatial arrangement are designed so that each piece is properly seen, giving viewers the chance to experience them in quiet contemplation. This was crucial for me, as these works require a moment of pause and reflection.
Kasra Aliha:
If you could leave your audience with one message from this exhibition, what would it be?
Hélène Duclos:
This exhibition is an invitation to reflect on the place of women in different societies, the invisible bonds that connect us, and the beauty and challenges of being a woman. I hope that everyone who views these works finds a part of this narrative within themselves.
Kasra Aliha:
That was truly inspiring, Hélène! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
