A DIALOGUE IN ART

The Collaboration Series Project is the outcome of artists Isabelle Gougenheim and Daniel Stern engaging in a’ visual dialogue’ resulting in a portfolio of large-scale paintings.

Their process unfolds exclusively through using image as language without any verbal communication, rules, and timelines.

Each piece is initiated by one artist and mailed to the other in a repeated exchange, until each artwork reaches its’ natural conclusion.Through this continuous relay—trust, anticipation and mutual discovery characterize the essence of the ‘collaboration’. The process challenges each artist to respond, respect and create while it also introduces new perspectives in their individual artworks.

At its core, the Collaboration Series Project explores a longing for freedom. The artworks created on mylar, travel in tubes between each artist— “in a way, we travel with them—layering, building, deconstructing, and reinventing as we go” —without limitations. 

This unimpeded visual dialogue merges into one cohesive and energized artwork. Yet, underlying the combined mark making, layering, and mixed materials are two distinct narratives. Daniel Stern’s journey as an artist, while overcoming the constraints of MS is transformative in his work, adding resonance to everything he creates. His process is thoughtful and introspective. He takes a deep dive into his internal landscape, environment and external influences in small works and photography which explode into fluid, complex large abstract landscapes in contrasting degrees of black and white. They belie the intensive study that goes into each mark he applies to the artwork. In contrast, Isabelle’s work is primarily influenced by external stimuli—cultural influences, city life, extensive travel and her French heritage—all are essential references in her artistic universe. Her process is immediate, bold and intuitive. She creates with thoughtful spontaneity moving across the canvas with symbols, marks and mixed material. When these two individual styles come into play, the Ying and the Yang merge intuitively and instinctively, with compelling results. 

Janis Karam Gallo

The connection between Isabelle in Chicago and Daniel in the NY metropolitan area was initiated when curator Janis Karam Gallo introduced each artist to the other’s work.