The Melanesian collection: 1990-2007 |
A secret painting technique. When you examine any one of the pictures with a magnifying glass you will see a mountainous background of massed colour. This volcanic effect, different on each print and resulting from a secret technique developed by the artist himself, is what gives Jézebruff Kabradinsky’s works their inimitable character. |
In the old days, before paper became known to the Melanesian communities of New Caledonia, the only medium for artistic creation was bamboo, a strong, long-lasting, easy to use and easily available material, on which Kanak artists of long ago engraved their drawings with sharks’ teeth or sharp fragments of shell or greenstone. The engraved bamboos of past centuries embody a graphic style and distinctive vision entirely specific to Kanak art. Contemporary artist Jezebruff Kabradinsky constantly strove to transpose in painterly terms the universal beauty of these designs from a bygone age, combining draughtsmanship, medium and colour in a technique known to him alone. |
The artist offers us a contemporary “interpretation” of these primitive art forms which far outstrips in mastery and beauty our accustomed schemes of reference and ways of seeing. The luminous purity of these prints is quite breathtaking. Thus art outlives changing fashions through the insight and sensitivity of an artist who has succeeded in fusing an archaic style of graphic expression with one of mankind’s highest goals and timeless pursuits: the quest for beauty (Didier Fléaux, Noumea, 12/11/96)
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“Le Gratuit”, 27/11/92 The artist has used his talent to revive a Melanesian art form. His work fascinates, intrigues and charms. It is both passionate in spirit and meticulous in execution; his draughtsmanship is extraordinarily fine and his choice of colour exquisite. Innovative and unique. |
“Le Quotidien Calédonien”, 24/01/1996 Engraved bamboos emerge from oblivion In New Caledonia I became interested in Melanesian culture, particularly its graphic style and techniques. I was quite fascinated by the engraved bamboos. I set out to study them closely, using old documents or items on display in the Noumea Museum, and started to copy them, faithfully respecting every detail of the original drawings, which date back to between 1850 and 1920. I felt it was a way of paying them tribute and reclaiming them from oblivion. (S.B.) |
“Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes”, 22/10/1996 « A modern technique breathes new life into tradition » Jézebruff Kabradinsky finds his inspiration not only in engraved bamboos but also in ancient door posts, rooftop totems and more recently in Lapita pottery fragments. Over the past 6 years his technique has also steadily evolved allowing him to produce works of ever greater originality, power and impact. (D.Rabussier) |
In July 2003, after the France-Oceania Summit in Tahiti, President Jacques Chirac and his wife came to New Caledonia on an official visit, and the First Lady was presented with one of Jézebruff Kabradinsky’s pictures. |
The Marquisiens Tiki’s collection : |
Polynesian period : |
Caledonian period, acrylic :
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