Fabien Merelle was born in Fontenay-sous-Bois, France in 1981 and currently lives and works in Paris. He creates delicate and highly detailed drawings in black ink and watercolour. He recently graduated from the Beaux-Arts academy in Paris and received a scholarship in 2005 to atten the Beaux-Arts academy in Xi'An, China. This trans-global opportunity permitted Mérelle to discover and perfect the use of alternative Eastern drawing techniques, such as Chinese ink. Upon his return to the West, Mérelle was granted a residence at the prestigious Casa Vélasquez in Madrid and in 2010 he was the first winner of the highly lauded Canson Prize.
Read MoreUpon first encounter with his drawings they appear realistic. However, upon secondary consultation it becomes clear they actually depict otherworldy scenes, unsettling situations, and dream-like occurences. Working on a small scale against a sparse white background, his drawings encourages the viewer to peer into an unusual world which at first appears familiar, but is a rendering of our personal subconscious. These renderings are humorous and ironic, as they weave their own trapestry of tales and legends, blurring the line between what has been recorded, and what we remember.
Fabien Mérelle’s exquisite work has received international recognition and has been exhibited at The Armory Show in New York as well as Art Paris. Mérelle recently had a solo exhibition at Praz-Delavallade gallery in Paris and was previously part of a group show at Guy Bärtschi gallery in Geneva.
